title: Empowerment behind the wheel: a qualitative study of Saudi women as ride-hailing service drivers in gig work
Creators: name: Alsaedi, Faris Khalil
Publisher: name: University of Reading
Year: 2025

description: Background: This qualitative study explores the unprecedented emergence of Saudi women 
as drivers in ride-hailing services, marking a significant societal shift in a nation long 
characterised by conservative gender roles. While the gig economy has been widely examined 
in Western contexts, its intersection with gender in regions like Saudi Arabia (SA) remains 
underexplored. The rise of gig work, particularly in ride-hailing services, offers a unique lens 
through which to examine women's empowerment in non-traditional roles within a rapidly 
transforming society. This study addresses the gap in understanding how Saudi women 
navigate the gig economy through their experiences in providing ride-hailing services and the 
broader implications for gender roles and mobility in the Kingdom.
Aims and Objectives: The research investigates Saudi women's perspectives, attitudes, and 
motivations towards gig work within the male-dominated ride-hailing services, aiming to 
uncover how these women challenge traditional gender norms and navigate the pathways to 
empowerment in the public sphere.
Methods: Employing a single case study approach, which involves an in-depth examination 
of the experiences and perspectives of female gig drivers, this research is grounded in Biosocial 
Construction Theory, Indigenous Institutional Theory, and sociocultural perspectives to 
explore the intersection of gender, culture, and economic participation. Primary data was 
collected through comprehensive interviews with 26 individuals, including 22 female drivers 
from Saudi Arabia, two government officials, and two representatives from ride-hailing 
companies. Document analysis was also utilised to examine policies, regulations, and media 
coverage of women's participation in the ride-hailing services.
Findings: The study uncovers intricate narratives of agency, resistance, and negotiation, 
illustrating how Saudi women are actively challenging stereotypes, asserting autonomy, and
redefining gender norms. While Western women often work as drivers for financial 
independence, Saudi women leverage these roles for self-discovery, networking, and a 
culturally appropriate workspace (e.g., women driving women). However, their participation
remains contingent upon familial approval and is constrained by stricter societal and regulatory 
restrictions, such as requirements for male guardians' consent, limitations on travel distances, 
and rigid working hours, reflecting limited autonomy and flexibility compared to Western 
peers. These efforts are tempered by persistent barriers such as social stigma, regulatory 
challenges, and safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the 
public sphere.
Contributions: This study addresses a critical gap in the literature on Saudi female drivers 
who participate in gig work providing ride-hailing services by: 
A) Theoretical Application: It significantly enriches the understanding of gender, culture, and 
economic participation in SA, emphasising the pivotal role of policy reforms and societal 
support in empowering women in gig work. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of 
women's agency and empowerment within the evolving socio-political landscape of SA and 
underscores the importance of targeted interventions to foster inclusivity and address the 
systemic barriers faced by Saudi women in public and professional spheres. The application of 
Biosocial Construction Theory in this study adds a unique and innovative dimension by 
capturing the interplay between inherent gendered behaviours and societal expectations, 
offering a framework that can be adapted for future studies in similar contexts.
B) Policy Implications: It demonstrates how governmental support for gig work in SA, in 
contrast to many other nations, serves as a cornerstone for facilitating women's inclusion in the 
workforce. This finding provides a distinctive contribution to the academic discourse on gig 
economies globally, highlighting the potential of tailored government initiatives to drive
gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. It also offers policymakers insights into 
developing frameworks that balance cultural norms with progressive labour strategies.
C) Practical Implications: It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, 
businesses, and gig platform operators. For policymakers, it advocates designing targeted 
programmes to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Saudi women in gig work, 
such as ensuring safety measures, equitable access to resources, and flexible working 
conditions. For businesses, it suggests fostering a supportive organisational culture that 
prioritises women’s professional growth and autonomy. Ride-hailing platforms are encouraged 
to enhance operational policies to include training, mentorship opportunities, and incentives to 
retain female drivers while addressing systemic barriers. These practical implications aim to 
empower Saudi women economically and socially, contributing to Vision 2030's objectives of 
gender equality and workforce diversification.