Alwaleed Philanthropies Empowers Women as Careem Drivers, Boosting Economic Growth in Saudi Arabia

Alwaleed Philanthropies recognizes the significant role women play in society and is committed to fostering their skills, empowering them, and creating opportunities for their advancement. In a groundbreaking initiative, Alwaleed Philanthropies partnered with Careem from 2018 to 2020 to provide cars for women to work as drivers, enabling them to join the workforce.

This project was integrated with the housing and transportation initiative in 2022, further expanding its impact. A total of 600 individuals, both men and women, will benefit from this program, which aims to adhere to legal and Sharia provisions, drive economic growth, contribute to societal development, and create a competitive society that offers equal opportunities for all in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

After focused discussions with partners, the initiative has established 4 main objectives:

1. Achieving Gender Equality: The primary objective is to enable women to exercise their right to drive, promoting gender equality and empowering them to play an active role in society.

2. Empowering Women for Societal Development: By creating opportunities for women to contribute to the development of society, this initiative has a positive impact on the national economy, fostering growth and progress in Saudi Arabia.

3. Increasing Women's Labor Market Participation: With a target of raising women's participation in the labor market from 22% to 30% by 2030, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, tapping into the untapped potential of women in various sectors.

4. Reducing Financial Burden on Saudi Families: Empowering women as drivers helps alleviate the financial burden on Saudi families by reducing the need for recruiting and employing foreign drivers. A monitoring study conducted by (Mal) highlighted that Saudis paid 35.28 billion riyals to 1,385,553 foreign drivers in 2017, making this initiative economically beneficial.

In order to drive the success of this transformative initiative, Alwaleed Philanthropies has formed strategic partnerships with key organisations including the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Changan Almajdouie, Aljazirah Vehicles and Careem . One of these crucial partners is Aljazirah Vehicles, who plays a vital role in providing the necessary cars to ensure the comfort and safety of the female drivers. With Aljazirah Vehicles' support, these empowered women can excel in their roles and make a significant impact.

Another prominent partner in this endeavour is Careem, a leading ride-hailing company. Through their collaboration with Alwaleed Philanthropies, Careem is actively involved in employing and supporting female drivers. This strategic partnership opens doors for women to participate in the ride-hailing service, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Together, Alwaleed Philanthropies and Careem are paving the way for women to thrive in the transportation industry, creating a brighter future for all.

Remarkable achievements have been realised, demonstrating the impact of empowering women in the transportation sector.

• Comprehensive Training: The initiative prioritised the comprehensive training of all applicants, providing them with rigorous instruction in car driving skills. This training equipped them with the necessary knowledge and expertise to confidently navigate the roads and excel in their roles as professional drivers.

• Successful Employment: The selection criteria and standards have been revised to ensure compliance with the eligibility requirements set by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, guaranteeing that the selected beneficiaries meet the necessary developmental criteria. The selection process for the fourth batch of beneficiaries for the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing project has been successfully concluded, with 15 individuals chosen for participation. A significant milestone was reached as fourteen skilled female drivers, who successfully passed the driving exam, were employed by Careem. This milestone represents a pivotal moment in their lives as they transition into the workforce, contributing their talents to the transportation sector. These women are not only breaking barriers but also inspiring others with their determination and resilience.

• Trips Completed: As of December 2022, 19 female captains have successfully completed 3,195 trips. 11 cars have also been given to female captains which represents a significant achievement for the project, symbolising its progress and success. Each trip undertaken by these pioneering women contributes to the development of a more inclusive and diverse transportation sector. Their unwavering commitment and dedication serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the initiative, showcasing the positive impact it has on their lives and the wider community. These accomplishments are a testament to the transformative power of empowering women and providing them with equal opportunities. The initiative, driven by Alwaleed Philanthropies, sets a precedent for the future, paving the way for more women to flourish in the transportation industry and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.