Female Rickshaw Drivers in Sierra Leone Break Gender Barriers
In Freetown, Sierra Leone, a growing number of women are entering the male-dominated commercial transport sector by driving motorized rickshaws, locally known as kekeh. Traditionally an exclusively male profession, this shift allows women like Hawa Mansaray and Halimatu Kamara to overcome social stigma and achieve financial independence. Mansaray, a 27-year-old single mother, highlights how driving rickshaws has provided her with a more stable livelihood compared to previous jobs. These vehicles have become essential in Freetown, filling critical gaps in the city's strained public transportation system. By taking control of these three-wheeled vehicles, these women are not only earning a living but also challenging deep-seated gender norms and empowering other women in the community. The trend represents a significant socio-economic change in the West African nation, illustrating how women are carving out spaces in informal economies despite cultural resistance. This movement underscores the resilience of female workers in Sierra Leone as they navigate both economic necessity and societal expectations to support their families and redefine traditional gender roles within the urban landscape of the capital.
Wire timeline
Female Rickshaw Drivers in Sierra Leone Break Gender Barriers
In Freetown, Sierra Leone, a growing number of women are entering the male-dominated commercial transport sector by driving motorized rickshaws, locally known as kekeh. Traditionally an exclusively male profession, this shift allows women like Hawa Mansaray and Halimatu Kamara to overcome social stigma and achieve financial independence. Mansaray, a 27-year-old single mother, highlights how driving rickshaws has provided her with a more stable livelihood compared to previous jobs. These vehicles have become essential in Freetown, filling critical gaps in the city's strained public transportation system. By taking control of these three-wheeled vehicles, these women are not only earning a living but also challenging deep-seated gender norms and empowering other women in the community. The trend represents a significant socio-economic change in the West African nation, illustrating how women are carving out spaces in informal economies despite cultural resistance. This movement underscores the resilience of female workers in Sierra Leone as they navigate both economic necessity and societal expectations to support their families and redefine traditional gender roles within the urban landscape of the capital.
AP News