Tyre production a man’s job – in Saudi Arabia

Women in Saudi Arabia are now excluded from working in tyre manufacturing jobs following the release of a list of over 20 jobs deemed unsuitable by the country’s Ministry of Labour. Job number ten on the list compiled by labour minister Adel Fakeih is “Working in the rubber industry for making tyres,” and at a press conference Fakeih claimed the aim is to prevent women from working in jobs they may not be physically suited to undertake. “The Saudi woman has every right to work,” Fakeih stated. “We are only implementing regulations that will protect her and ensure her rights.”

The minister added that the new rules only applied to Saudi women and did not include foreigners; Saudi women will also be able to own or manage businesses related to the 20 listed professions.