Saudi women start work as mechanics

Women can now train as mechanics in Saudi Arabia. The government's national economic plan's helping more women to enter work. By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants an economy which relies less on income from oil. It's increasing women's rights too.

The government gave women the right to drive in 2018. They're now able to repair and service cars too. They can do anything their male colleagues can too.

Angham Jeddawi had wanted to become a mechanic for many years.

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."

Some women are excited about new opportunities to do technical jobs. But customers aren't used to this and often have questions for them. They're surprised, says 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."

Rights for women in Saudi Arabia are increasing. But these opportunities often require their husband's agreement. Some men want their wives to learn new skills, like Ola's 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."

The changes are quickly accepted by younger people. The skills of the job are what's important, for university student Mechaal.

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

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