As we celebrated the anniversary of a law granting American women equality in education and athletics, women around the world struggled for the same liberties.

In response to an 8-year-old girl asking why she was not allowed to play sports in school, Saudi Arabia's Prince Khaled al-Faisal responded the he hoped government schools for girls would allow playing fields.

As governor of the holy city of Mecca and one of the most senior second-generation members of the royal family, al-Faisal's statement is the strongest thus far endorsing women's sports.

As it currently stands, physical education classes are banned from state-run female schools in Saudi Arabia and female athletes are not allowed to participate in the Olympics.

While some Saudi women have quietly been forming female teams throughout the kingdom, the debate over government organized athletic opportunities for young women has heated up in Saudi newspapers recently and the prince's comments could mean reform is on the way.

Women also face social restrictions throughout the kingdom including a ban on driving and voting. Creating female athletics could be a vital stepping stone towards larger gender equity reforms.