On Sunday, it was cheers for gears as Saudi Arabia ended the world's only ban on women drivers. In a landmark moment, women drove themselves legally through the ultra-conservative kingdom's roads.

That it has taken nearly 28 years of activism for this to come about and the fact that at least six women are still in jail for defying the ban earlier, are sobering thoughts amidst the celebrations. They are also an indicator of the challenges women face in this kingdom and elsewhere, the huge price that has been paid by those who dare to go against the grain. Generations that take rights for granted, like some young Saudi women might while getting behind the wheel right now, must not forget the history and the long and brave battles their predecessors fought simply so they could get into their cars and drive.