Women get jobs fixing cars - 19th August 2022

Women in Saudi Arabia are now fixing cars. These new car mechanics are part of a national plan. The government's giving women more opportunities. Its plan will help the country. The economy is too focused on oil.

Women started driving cars again in 2018. Now they can fix problems and give cars a service. They're working the same as male mechanics.

This is a dream job for Angham Jeddawi.

Angham Jeddawi: "My dream was to enter the automotive field, but for a Saudi woman this field was not available. So when the opportunity came, I applied straightaway and was accepted."

Women can now do many technical jobs. But people were surprised to see women mechanics. Drivers asked the women questions.

Ola Flimban is a woman mechanic.

Ola Flimban: "At the beginning, they were all surprised. Some customers came up to me and said: "You shocked us, you surprised us". They are surprised that girls work in this field, and ask us to explain how we fell in love with this field. That is the most common question."

There are rules for women getting these jobs. They need their husbands to agree. Ola's husband, Rafat, was happy to agree. He likes the idea.

Rafat Flimban: "Now she has experience in different car types, how to change oil, how to check cars. She's even checking my car."

Young people understand these changes. University student Mechaal came to the garage. He thinks it's normal.

Mechaal: "If they are here, it must mean they are trained. And maybe they understand my car better than me. So it's normal."