Despite reform, Saudi 'guardianship' still restricts women - HRW

Saudi women shop at Al-Hayatt mall in Riyadh February 15, 2012. REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed/File Photo

DOHA (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian laws requiring women to have male guardians have been reformed in recent years but continue to restrict and endanger them, obstructing government plans to reform the economy, U.S.-based Human Rights Watch says in a report.

The report drew criticism on Sunday from a government rights official, who said the system was designed to protect and help women, and was less restrictive than portrayed by HRW.