Women mechanics mending cars - 19th August 2022

Women in Saudi Arabia are going to work as mechanics as part of a nationwide push to bring more women into the workplace. Extending women's rights forms part of a plan by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy of this oil dependent country by 2030.

One of the earliest steps on this path was women being granted the right to drive cars in 2018. Lifting the bonnet and training as mechanics, checking oil and changing tyres alongside male counterparts, is the latest development.

Angham Jeddawi jumped at the opportunity to work with cars.

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."

While career opportunities in technical professions have fired some women's imaginations, customers are still catching up. They regularly start conversations to understand where their interest in cars comes from, reports Ola Flimban.

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."

Although the expansion of women's rights in Saudi Arabia continues to widen opportunities, for many, their husband's permission is still a requirement in order to apply. Ola's newly acquired skills have delighted her husband, Rafat.

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

Younger generations are adjusting to workplaces changing rapidly. Those coming to this garage in Jeddah, such as Mechaal, a university student, appear unconcerned.

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