Women mechanics driving change in Saudi Arabia - in pictures

  • Saudi women Ghada Ahmed, left, and Ola Flimban work on a car at a quick service garage in Jeddah. All photos: AFP
    Saudi women Ghada Ahmed, left, and Ola Flimban work on a car at a quick service garage in Jeddah. All photos: AFP
  • The garage in Saudi Arabia is turning to an untapped source for new mechanics: women, who only four years ago weren't even allowed to drive.
    The garage in Saudi Arabia is turning to an untapped source for new mechanics: women, who only four years ago weren't even allowed to drive.
  • Ms Ahmed speaks with a costumer.
    Ms Ahmed speaks with a costumer.
  • Angham Jeddawi works on a car at the service centre, Petromin Express garage.
    Angham Jeddawi works on a car at the service centre, Petromin Express garage.
  • Ms Flimban and Ms Ahmed perform checks.
    Ms Flimban and Ms Ahmed perform checks.
  • At the garage, female recruits check oil and change tyres alongside their male counterparts.
    At the garage, female recruits check oil and change tyres alongside their male counterparts.
  • The changes are part of a nationwide push to bring more women into the workforce.
    The changes are part of a nationwide push to bring more women into the workforce.
  • Their first months on the job have brought flashes of self-doubt, scepticism from relatives and outright hostility from some customers, the women say.
    Their first months on the job have brought flashes of self-doubt, scepticism from relatives and outright hostility from some customers, the women say.
  • One 'old man' who came by the garage immediately ordered all the women out, saying he didn't want them going near his car, recalls Ms Ahmed.
    One 'old man' who came by the garage immediately ordered all the women out, saying he didn't want them going near his car, recalls Ms Ahmed.
  • But as their skills have improved, so has their confidence - aided by other customers who are more encouraging.
    But as their skills have improved, so has their confidence - aided by other customers who are more encouraging.