As Saudi Arabia is hailed abroad for its ‘reforms,’ the reality for women inside the kingdom grows ever more repressive. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, MARYAM ALDOSSARI argues it is time to stop applauding the illusion – and start listening to the women the state works hardest to silence

The regime’s handpicked female firsts — drawn from elite families — mask the reality of Dar al-Reaya ‘care homes’ where disobedient women are beaten and drugged, and the feminists who fought for driving rights remain jailed, writes MARYAM ALDOSSARI