Bodaboda(motorcycle taxi) is one of the major transportation means in Kenya. The Bodaboda operators are mostly men, and due to the business's male-dominant culture, female operators are challenged by various discriminations and threats in everyday work. However, there are women who don't give up their job to sustain their life and build a brighter future. Please support these courageous women to continue their work safely and challenge gender inequality in Kenya's transportation sector.
After Edna decided to operate her motorcycle by herself instead of her male employee in 2019, she has experienced various difficulties from passengers running off without paying to sexual harassment. At home, she has to argue with her husband complaining about her late hour work. Juggling various roles as mother, wife, and businessperson is a common but huge challenge to female operators. Besides, many female operators are on the road without a driver's license, own motorcycle, and safety gear.
We will support female drivers with training and driving test costs to enable them to operate Bodaboda legally and safely. We will also provide subsidies during probation periods to female operators who newly joined the business. Lastly, we will help to promote their business by advertisement and linking with the organization's partners. The participants of this round could guide and encourage second, third-round participants as mentors.
If female Bodaboda operators increase, female passengers will have more choice and expect more comfortable Bodaboda services. In the long-term, the project will improve women's social participation and decrease the gender discrimination in Bodaboda business where women get proper wages and treatment.
