In brief
In a remarkable shift in Kenya's motorcycle taxi landscape, women known as "Boda Girls" are rising to prominence in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Monica Atieno, a mother of three, exemplifies this change. Faced with financial difficulties, Atieno joined a program to become a motorcycle taxi driver against her husband’s initial objections. Now, with rigorous training completed, she joins a growing community of women on the roads of her town, Ukwala, where women constitute a mere fraction of the estimated 2.5 million boda boda operators across the country.
Despite facing significant challenges, including harassment from passengers and skepticism from their families, more women like Atieno are embracing the opportunity to drive. The need for safe and reliable transportation options, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women in labor, has highlighted the essential role these women play. They are quickly becoming the preferred choice for clients who require urgent trips to medical facilities, helping to reshape perceptions about women's capabilities in this sector.As this movement unfolds, it not only empowers women financially but also promotes safety and inclusivity in urban transport, paving the way for a more equitable society.
