Mothers in Saudi Arabia can now retain custody of their children after
divorce without filing lawsuits, according to a Saudi Information Ministry
statement Monday, meaning the kingdom is breaking ranks with several
other countries in the region that heavily favor male guardianship.

The move comes as part of a series of sweeping social and economic
reforms known as Vision 2030. Initiated over the past two years, the
reforms have been spearheaded by Saudi Arabia's 32-year-old Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Previously, a Saudi woman was required to petition courts,
sometimes for years, to win custody of children after a divorce. The Saudi
Justice Ministry released a circular to the courts that specifies that, barring
a dispute between the parents, a mother is required only to apply for
custodianship. This represents a significant improvement in women's rights
in the country, even though custodianship still goes to the father by
default.

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