Apparently on July 6, 2012, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia lifted the policy of forbidding women to compete in the Olympics. Saudi rulers don't normally respond to international pressure or popular demands, but instead they do shift policies at their own time and pace. With large organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the International Olympic Committe stepping in to pressure the Saudi government to let women compete, it was almost impossible for the government to turn down this invitation. Women are so eager to participate in athletic events that the women from the Jeddah United basketball team play in track-suit abayas that match their headscarves. This is an excellent idea for women's athletic gear in Muslim countries, because this sports wear respects Islamic norms.
Thankfully, Saudi Arabia's present ruler, King Abdullah, is much more secular and liberal than his ultra-conservative brother Crown Prince Nayef, who was supposed to inherit the throne but died. King Abdullah has been making an effort to work towards achieving reform in Saudi Arabia, but after this event, he layed a milestone in the country's path to reform.
Saudi Arabia is an extremely Islamic devout country. Women have many restrictions, but as the government gives them more rights, they tend to bolden up and claim more rights. Its a human instinct, one is always trying to push for more. In the case of these women, I think its useful for them to push for more, and seek support from the International community to obtain their rights. I'm almost sure that after lifting this policy, women are going to seek more rights for participation in public events.
http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/06/letting-saudi-women-compete-in-the-olympics-is-a-milestone-in-saudi-politics/
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