In a male-dominated transport sector, Monica Atieno and other women have become "Boda Girls," driving motorcycle taxis and supporting vulnerable customers such as pregnant women. Despite facing opposition and harassment, these women are rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a driver in Kenya.
Empowering Change: Women Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Challenge Gender Norms in Kenya
Empowering Change: Women Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Challenge Gender Norms in Kenya
The rise of "Boda Girls" in Kenya is transforming the traditional motorcycle taxi scene, empowering women while catering to the needs of local communities.
In Kenya's Ukwala town near Lake Victoria, women are breaking barriers in a predominantly male profession: motorcycle taxi driving, commonly referred to as "boda boda." Under a new initiative, women like 29-year-old Monica Atieno have taken the plunge into this traditionally male domain, donning pink outfits to distinguish themselves as "Boda Girls."
Atieno, motivated by the need to support her family amid economic struggles, initially kept her ambitions from her husband, a fellow motorcycle taxi driver. When he learned of her intentions, he was furious, threatening to abandon her. Unfazed by this, she responded firmly, "I’m going to do it, because I know what I’m going to achieve." Today, she is one of approximately 1,000 women within Kenya's estimated 2.5 million motorcycle taxi operators, according to the Boda Boda Safety Association.
The journey to becoming a Boda Girl is not without its challenges. Many women, including Atieno, began without any driving experience. Along the way, they have battled harassment from male colleagues and skepticism from family members. Moreover, their primary clientele often includes pregnant women in need of urgent transport services, further highlighting the vital role they play in their communities.
Atieno, alongside other Boda Girls, showcases a growing movement of women stepping into roles typically reserved for men, challenging gender norms and contributing to household incomes. Their presence offers a beacon of hope for societal change, paving the way for future generations.
Atieno, motivated by the need to support her family amid economic struggles, initially kept her ambitions from her husband, a fellow motorcycle taxi driver. When he learned of her intentions, he was furious, threatening to abandon her. Unfazed by this, she responded firmly, "I’m going to do it, because I know what I’m going to achieve." Today, she is one of approximately 1,000 women within Kenya's estimated 2.5 million motorcycle taxi operators, according to the Boda Boda Safety Association.
The journey to becoming a Boda Girl is not without its challenges. Many women, including Atieno, began without any driving experience. Along the way, they have battled harassment from male colleagues and skepticism from family members. Moreover, their primary clientele often includes pregnant women in need of urgent transport services, further highlighting the vital role they play in their communities.
Atieno, alongside other Boda Girls, showcases a growing movement of women stepping into roles typically reserved for men, challenging gender norms and contributing to household incomes. Their presence offers a beacon of hope for societal change, paving the way for future generations.
