Women in the Driver’s Seat: SafeBoda Empowering Women Socially and Economically
By Victoria A. N. Tega Wakabi, VP of People and Customer Success
March is a month of celebration, reflection, and action, a time when the world comes together to honor the resilience, strength, and achievements of women. International Women’s Day (March 8th) is not just a day of recognition, but a movement to celebrate the empowerment and contribution of women across the globe. We celebrate the contribution of women and girls in shaping societies and advocate for collective commitment to enable them thrive socially and economically.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgent need to drive inclusivity, fairness, and opportunity for every woman, regardless of background or status. At SafeBoda, we are committed to turning words into action by breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and creating real economic opportunities for women. By actively challenging norms in one of the most male-dominated sectors, the boda boda industry, we are accelerating progress toward a future where women have equal access to economic opportunities and the freedom to thrive.
Creating Pathways for Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
SafeBoda has not just opened doors, we have redefined what’s possible for women in transportation. From employing women in various roles within our workforce to supporting female riders and drivers on our platform, we are committed to ensuring that women are not just included but given the opportunity to lead, earn, and thrive.
We are leveraging technology to drive economic empowerment for women. Our digital platform not only provides access to safe, reliable mobility solutions but also serves as a gateway for women to achieve financial independence. Through the SafeBoda App, women can choose how they want to earn, whether by transporting passengers, making deliveries, or offering tailored transportation services to businesses. These opportunities translate into greater autonomy, stability, and financial growth for women and their families.
Empowering Women Through Skill Development and Training
At SafeBoda, capacity building starts with knowledge and skill. We have partnered with various stakeholders to train women on how to ride commercial taxi motorcycles and equip them with the confidence and expertise needed to excel in this industry. But we go beyond that. We make sure that when they’re ready to hit the road, they have access to earning opportunities, not just through passenger transport but also through SafeBoda’s delivery services, allowing them to earn even more.
Beyond transportation, we are bridging the digital gender gap by ensuring women can harness the power of tech to scale their businesses, improve their financial literacy, and become leaders in their own right. The goal is clear: to build a future where women are not just participants but trailblazers in the digital economy.
Safety, Security, and Support: Women Thriving in a SafeBoda Ecosystem
For women to thrive, they should feel safe and supported. We have introduced key safety features, such as the SOS button in the SafeBoda App, designed to provide instant emergency response in case of any distress on a trip. This feature is not just about security; it is about ensuring peace of mind for riders and passengers alike, making mobility more inclusive and accessible.
Women who have joined SafeBoda have not only transformed their own lives but also their communities. They have become breadwinners, business owners, and role models, proving that when women are given equal opportunities, they rise beyond limitations. Many of our female riders have gone on to own their motorcycles and even cars, breaking generational cycles of economic dependency.
Looking Ahead: A Future Where Women Lead
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we reaffirm our commitment to continue pushing boundaries, amplifying women’s voices, and creating more opportunities for economic and social empowerment. We invite policymakers, businesses, and individuals to join us in championing gender inclusivity because when women win, we all win.
The road ahead is full of promise, and women are in the driver’s seat literally and figuratively. At SafeBoda, we are not just imagining a future where women thrive; we are building it, one woman at a time.
Happy Women’s Day! Take a moment to brighten the day of a special woman in your life!
