Electronic Monitoring of Women in Saudi Arabia Criticized By Activists

Male guardians can receive texts telling them of their dependent's locations abroad

(CNN) -- When word started spreading last week that Saudi women -- already some of the most oppressed and restricted in the world -- were being monitored electronically as they left the country, activists were quick to express their outrage.

"It's very shameful," said Manal Al-Sharif, who became an icon of female empowerment in 2011 after defying the conservative kingdom's driving ban and encouraging other Saudi women to do the same.