Empowering Male Allies for Boda Girls’ Success

When Tiba talks about Boda Girls – a group of women trained as motorcycle taxi (called bodas) owners providing vital services such as free hospital transport, menstrual health education, and support for women’s education and entrepreneurship – we often encounter a common question: How do male motorcycle taxi drivers respond to the presence of Boda Girls in an industry that has historically been male-dominated?

This question is asked frequently, and rightfully so. It reminds us of the long history of careers deemed exclusive to men, and the need for women to overcome numerous obstacles, fighting for their rights to learn the skills and proving their capabilities to participate, let alone be accepted.

Boda Girls face similar challenges and have developed some critical Male Allies taking leadership roles in welcoming them into the Boda Taxi business. These allies emerged even before the launch of Boda Girls when the Matibabu Foundation conducted an extensive community assessment involving male boda drivers.

The survey uncovered the lives, challenges, needs, and aspirations of male drivers and their willingness to address negative stereotypes associated with male boda drivers, such as being womanizers, perpetrators of assault, or users of alcohol and drugs, and expressed a strong desire to remove this stigma. They also shared their financial struggles with the price of fuel, difficulty getting licenses, and police harassment. Most of these male drivers are young family men who cannot afford health insurance, making illness a threat to their entire families. Most importantly, we learned that more than 90% of the male drivers were open to sharing the road with the Boda Girls, offering to mentor them in client acquisition, best routes, tire repairs, and ensuring their safety.

At the Boda Girls program launch, numerous male boda drivers attended as our special guests. We continue to engage with them because we recognize the importance of involving male drivers and appreciating their significant role in transforming the transportation sector. They are not just drivers; they can be first responders and community supporters in emergencies.

In April, we organized a day-long training event and invited the leaders of the Boda Taxi Stands to become certified Boda Girl Male Allies. Eighteen local male boda leaders participated in training sessions covering first aid/CPR, understanding menstruation and sexual reproductive health (Days for Girls), and gender-based violence. They pledged to support the Boda Girls and females in their communities and to stop and provide aid in emergencies on the road. They registered their names and motorcycles as Boda Girls Male Allies, proudly displaying official Male Ally stickers on their bikes for riders in the community to know that they support women. They received hip packs with first aid supplies, sustainable menstrual kits for the women in their lives, and three months of national health insurance for their families.

Since then, the Male Allies have stayed connected through a dedicated WhatsApp group, sharing updates and addressing issues, and Boda Girls have officially joined the male taxi stand groups.

We are immensely proud of our Male Allies and the positive changes they are making. We hope this transformation continues to enhance their lives and benefit the entire community. Extending equity measures to one marginalized group has the power to bring universal improvements, making our community safer and producing more opportunities. Together, Boda Girls and Male Allies are creating a brighter future for everyone.

Boda Girls are addressing gender-based violence in their community. Matibabu Foundation’s survey of over 300 community members identified Gender-based violence in their community. Violence against women has far-reaching implications, affecting physical health, mental health, education, livelihoods, and overall community dynamics.

Volunteer Aminta Steinbach of Hand to Hand Kajukenbo in Oakland taught 40 Boda Girls self-defense and how to teach others. Seeing the Boda Girls teach 250 girls at Lifunga Secondary School for Girls in the afterschool program during Tiba’s STEM Camp was inspiring. The Boda Girls are excited to teach self-defense when they visit schools this year to educate 7th and 8th graders about menstruation and distribute free sustainable menstrual kits. That is potentially 2,000 girls.

Next summer, we aim to expand our reach with self-defense and STEM volunteer teachers, hoping to equip younger girls at the Lifunga feeder schools and with vulnerable widows and disabled women.

In April 2023, we proudly launched our second cohort of Boda Girls, marking a significant milestone in our journey. These remarkable young women were warmly welcomed into the program by their mentors from the first cohort. The bonds formed, the trust established, and the collective sense of pride were palpable from the very beginning.

From the outset, it became abundantly clear that having a personal mentor is a game-changer for these aspiring Boda Girls. With the guidance and unwavering support of their mentors, they embarked on a transformative journey, learning not only to master motorcycle riding and build thriving taxi businesses but also to speak confidently in public, advocate passionately for women’s health and girls’ education, acquire life-saving first aid and CPR skills, and become shining ambassadors for the Boda Girls within their communities.

Cohort 2 had the unique advantage of not having to blaze the trail alone; they had role models who had already navigated the path. These seasoned Boda Girls generously shared their wisdom, imparted riding techniques, and conducted practice drills, nurturing the growth of their peers’ self-assurance and skillsets. Shadowing their mentors for an extended period, they learned the ropes of handling paying clients and providing free rides to the hospital for women in need. They closely observed and actively supported their mentors’ health advocacy work and educational initiatives.

As we now find ourselves four months into the program, Cohort 2 has gained more independence, while Cohort 1 has stepped into leadership roles within our broader initiative. Several Boda Girls from the first cohort have become driving drill coaches, paving the way for potential future endeavors, such as establishing a Driver’s Training School. Another group has delved into the intricate world of motorcycle mechanics and is teaching both cohorts of Boda Girls how to extend the life of their machines. Others are contributing to the program’s success by leading data collection and quality improvement efforts or chronicling the journey of the Boda Girls project.

Looking ahead, as Boda Girls continues to develop multiple cohorts across rural areas, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the cohort model. We firmly believe that people thrive and learn best in a supportive group setting, especially when they are underrepresented in their field. Moreover, we are unwavering in our dedication to maintaining the crucial elements of mentoring and leadership development, as they not only fortify the program but also nurture the growth of vibrant and empowered communities.

What’s truly inspiring is that through this program, the 10 second-year Boda Girls have extended their support to an additional 48 widows and girls, equipping them with vital entrepreneurial skills. This ripple effect of empowerment not only enhances the well-being of women but also has a far-reaching impact on the overall health, education, and livelihood of their families and the broader community.

The Boda Girls program is truly remarkable, empowering women and transforming lives in profound ways. Over the span of their two-year journey, these inspiring women earn 15 certificates, and their acquired knowledge is not just a personal gain; they are required to share their learning with girls and widows in the community.

In the first year of the program, Boda Girls undergo comprehensive training, primarily focusing on health-related topics but also encompassing invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship. Boda Girls Coordinators, supported by our partners at Street Business School, deliver a six-week curriculum, immersing Boda Girls in the world of business development through both theoretical knowledge and hands-on projects. This knowledge is applied as they grow their boda businesses, leading to a significant increase in their daily earnings, from a mere $1USD to a much more substantial $5-10 USD, enabling them to secure their children’s education and access healthy food and healthcare.

In the second year, Boda Girls pay it forward by becoming business development coaches for groups of 8th-grade girls or widows. They impart the same entrepreneurial wisdom they’ve acquired and assist these groups in preparing for the Boda Girls Women’s Business Pitch Contest. This contest features teams presenting their business and marketing plans, striving to convince the audience of Boda Girls that their projects hold the most promise. Notably, these ventures encompass diverse areas, from innovative vegetable marketing to poultry and livestock. Each participating team receives a prize ranging from $100 to $300, along with ongoing mentoring from a Boda Girl. The ultimate impact of these projects will be showcased in January, highlighting the tangible benefits they bring to the community.

What’s truly inspiring is that through this program, the 10 second-year Boda Girls have extended their support to an additional 48 widows and girls, equipping them with vital entrepreneurial skills. This ripple effect of empowerment not only enhances the well-being of women but also has a far-reaching impact on the overall health, education, and livelihood of their families and the broader community.