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.