Women in Saudi Arabia can now open their own businesses without the consent of a husband or male relative. <br/><br/>The policy change, announced by the Saudi government on Thursday, also marks a major step away from the strict guardianship system that has ruled the country for decades. <br/><br/>The ministry of commerce and investment said on its website that women can now launch their own businesses and benefit from governmental e-services without having to prove consent from a guardian. <br/><br/>Under Saudi Arabia's guardianship system, women are required to present proof of permission from a male guardian – normally the husband, father or brother – to do any government paperwork, travel or enrol in classes. The kingdom has also opened 140 positions for women at airports and border crossings, a historic first that the government said drew 107,000 female applicants. <br/><br/>Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful heir to the Saudi throne, has been leading the drive to expand the role of women in the workforce in recent months.