The transport sector in Lagos is experiencing a huge overhaul with influx of tricycle otherwise called ‘Keke’ and the mini bus known as ‘Korope’ as the most common means of movement since the outright ban of motorcycle on major roads.
The business which was popularly known and dominated by men has now been overthrown with more women as an option for employment and source of income.
The increasing influx of female drivers into public transport business on Lagos road is attributed to high rate of unemployment, poverty and hunger in the economy. They maintain and double their roles as wives, mothers and daughters despite the daily task.
Grassroot People and Gender Development Center (GRADE) with support from Actionaid Nigeria (AAN) is implementing the Women’s Voice and Leadership- Nigeria Project (WVL-Nigeria project) in Lagos, with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Strategic Opportunity Fund (SOF).
WVL Nigeria Project is aimed at tackling the barriers to gender equality and supporting the empowerment of women and girls through provision of technical and financial resources to local women’s rights organisations and their networks. Through the Women’s Voices and Leadership Nigeria project’s Strategic Opportunity Fund, GRADE is implementing Strategic Media Engagement to Promote Safe Space and Decent Work for Female Public Transport Drivers in Lagos State
At the one day media engagement with media practitioners, the Executive Director, Mrs. Vivian Emesowum call on the media to increase their voice to promote gender sensitive issues by calling the attention of government to ensure that the road is safe for both men and women drivers. She encouraged the media to also educate the populace on gender terms as its affects both male and female which makes it everyone business.
Also, a one day skill and capacity building workshop on road safety laws, offences and fine was held for 20 female public transport drivers in Alimosho and Ojo, Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ladipo Toyin from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ikotun Command educated the women on the importance of the driver’s license which is used nationally while the rider’s card is used only in Lagos.
He pointed the need for them to obey speed limit and avoid driving on the fast lane.
Also, the Director from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Mr. Aladesida Olarewaju congratulated the female keke drivers for taking up a male dominated job.
He encouraged them to serve as Agents of Change in their various locations by educating others on roads rules and regulations to avoid offences and fines. He enumerated major offences that can attract fines.
According to Mr. Aladesida, “Marwa is not supposed to be a means of transportation in the mega city; it is not part of the smart city agenda of Lagos State but is acceptable due to the present economic situation of the country”.
He added that they are expected to avoid carrying overload, obey traffic light, avoid dangerous driving, think of your safety first and consider other road users.
Also, speaking at the training, the Executive Director of GRADE advised the women on self care and awareness. She encouraged them to be cautious of their health status and create quality time with their family.
By Ajibola Adedoye