People are outraged that Sophia the robot has more rights than most women in Saudi Arabia

A robot has just been given a big privilege in Saudi Arabia, and people are questioning if it's unfair to the country's own women.

Sophia the robot, made by American firm Hanson Robotics, has been officially named a citizen of Saudi Arabia — the first country in the world to grant a robot the right to citizenship. 

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"I’m very honoured and proud for this unique distinction," Sophia said, speaking at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on Wednesday, where she was awarded citizenship.

"This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognised with a citizenship.”

While that's great for Sophia, the news has sparked much criticism, with many online pointing out that Sophia has quickly gained more rights than millions of women in Saudi Arabia.

For one, Saudi Arabia is one of a few Muslim majority countries that legally imposes a dress code. Women are required to wear a headscarf and an abaya, a garment that covers a woman, down to her ankles.

Sophia, during her speech on stage, was not dressed in either, nor was she accompanied by a male companion.

In Saudi Arabia, every woman is expected to have a man with her in public, who is given authority to act on her behalf.

People in Saudi Arabia quickly reacted with the Arabic hashtag, #صوفيا_تطالب_باسقاط_الولايه, which translates to #Sophia_demands_the_repeal_of_guardianship.

The caption for the picture below reads "The difference between Sophia and a Saudi woman."

While this one reads: "How Sophia will look like."

Women in Saudi Arabia were only this year granted the right to drive, in what is perhaps one of the most significant milestones in recent times for women in the country. 

Before the ruling was passed, they needed permission from a legal guardian to get a license, and needed a guardian in the car when they drove.

However, Saudi women are still left behind in many areas.

Saudi women cannot perform various activities including getting married, obtaining a passport and travelling, without the consent of their legal guardian.

Legal guardians are typically a brother, father, uncle or husband.

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