BEHIND THE WHEEL

In Africa, it is very common to see women driving their own cars whether it is a mini, compact or SUV. The same way applies to achieving your goals in your desired field of work but on the other hand, it is very rare to see women choosing driving as a profession to make a living. Gradually, the world is changing and more women are choosing male dominated careers not to prove their competence but to fulfil their dreams.

 In a typical African society where stereotypical comments are always blurted out to women, women who make firm decision to engage in male dominated profession are often considered adventurous and Augustina Addo is not an exception behind the wheel.

Childhood Memories

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question is often asked by teachers and parents to see to it that their child’s dream is fulfilled. Sometimes along the way, they have to divert and choose a career that will earn them a living. Augustina’s keen interest in driving began at a very tender age, “I always sat at the passenger seat just to ask my father questions about what it entails to become a driver and the controls on the dashboard to the difference between the accelerator and brakes” she added. Curiosity they say always kills the cat, but her curiosity to know more about driving never shattered her dream to become one.

Work Experience

Augustina had the opportunity to become a driver at Metro Mass Transit that was when she engaged in intensive training pertaining to the career she has chosen as a woman. She worked with them for six years before she had the second chance to work with Aayalolo Transport System, being the only female at the Ofankor Terminal Branch, she reports to duty around 4:30am when her schedules are in the morning. “We go four trips in a day including an hour break” she explained.

Challenges and Passengers

Every work comes with its own challenges; Augustina expressed her sentiments about other road users especially the motorcyclists. She further elaborated that some motorcyclists ride carelessly on the road without observing road signs. Also, with the commercial vehicles popularly known as “trotro”, they always feel threatened whenever they see buses arriving at a stop.

However, she is very observant of road signs and comply with road safety precautions. She believes that it is the code of ethics for every driver irrespective of their gender to comply with the rules and regulations on the road to ensure safety.

Most at times the celebrity status that accompanies with her driving career thrills her since she is always receiving praise from the passengers in terms of delivering her services and also the gaze from other road users. “Sometimes, a car follows the bus to my destination just to clear their doubts if it is indeed a woman driving the bus.” She stated.

Male Colleagues

Augustina with other staff members

Augustina and her manager Justice

Women who intend to engage in male dominated professions are encountered with many hindrances at their workplace. Augustina’s situation is different, being the only female driver at the terminal, she expressed her joy in how her relationship with her male colleagues have intensified. Whenever she enters the yard with the bus her male colleagues welcome her with smiles. According to her Manager at the Ofankor Terminal branch, Justice said “She happens to be one of the best.”  Indeed, Augustina is making a difference in her career.

Family Support

Juggling your domestic task with your work responsibilities are at times complex. She has clearly differentiated the role as a wife and a mother in the house and a driver at her workplace. “When it is time to do the household chores, I have to do it and when the time comes for me to report to work as a driver, I distinctly play that role very well.”

The support she gets from the family encourages her daily to execute her roles as a mother, wife and a driver.

Nonetheless, if you are a woman and you really want to be a driver be determined in your decision, stay positive, be honest to yourself and employer and be God fearing. Today, Augustina Addo is excited because it has always been her dream to be a professional driver and it takes hard work and passion to fulfill your dreams.