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Herald Correspondent

Communities come to a standstill when their buses arrive.

They are obviously not the first to drive conventional buses, but communities are still to get used to seeing women driving the “big buses,” carrying up to 70 passengers, excluding standing passengers.

The industry remains male-dominated, but daring women have come in and are becoming role models for many women, especially those in the rural areas where career guidance remains a rarity.

Forty-four-year-old Ms Caroline Muchimbwa and 33-year-old Ms Chido Masisimani, are some of the women that have challenged the notion that only men can drive conventional buses.

Wherever they are, they turn heads, attract whistles, ululations and praises for taking the bold decision to get Class One driver’s licences and drive buses.

Ms Muchimbwa, a driver at Trip Trans Bus Company, says some male passengers elect to stand on the bus even when there are empty seats, so that they catch a glimpse her shifting gears.

Zimbabwe and some governments across the world, continue to create a conducive environment for women to take up opportunities in all sectors of the economy, including those that were previously male-dominated.

Various pieces of legislation have been crafted, not only to allow women to take up any job available on the market, but also to get similar wages as their male counterparts.

In Zimbabwe, even the Constitution promotes gender equality by stating that men and women are equal, and outlaws sex or gender-based discrimination and behaviour.

Despite the huge strides made to promote women’s rights, some people including women themselves, still cannot believe that their ilk are now tackling what were deemed to be difficult jobs.

When bus companies such as Chawasarira Bus Services started employing in the 1990s, some males could be heard saying, “our driver is speeding as if she is a male”.

Such was the vice-like grip that males had on the industry.

But all that is changing as women continue to demand space in all facets of life.

In an interview, Ms Muchimbwa, who has been driving buses for seven years, said when people see her behind the steering wheel, “they get so excited, some even choose to stand to watch me changing gears”.

“When I am driving to rural destinations, some people cheer me, while some villagers are surprised to see a woman driving a bus.

“In Chikwalakwala in Mozambique, women gathered in amusement and cheered for me. Even in Domboshawa and Chitungwiza, women cheer me up the moment they see me.

“Many of them ask how I manage to drive a bus given its size and my being a woman. Many women have said that I am brave to be a bus driver while others wondered how I got a Class 1 driver’s licence when their husbands have Class 4 driver’s licences which permit them to drive small cars,” said Ms Muchimbwa.

She said nothing prevents anyone, despite being male or female, from achieving any of their plans as long as they remain committed.

“As a woman there is nothing one cannot do; everything is possible. Women must take up the available spaces and be independent and not expect everything from men.

“Look at me, at the end of the month I earn my salary and handle my family’s business and pay my bills,” said Ms Muchimbwa.

Asked if she is not discriminated against at work by male drivers, she said no, adding that the company has a strict policy against mistreatment of others.

In fact, Ms Muchimbwa said “fellow drivers treat us equally”.

“They teach us to fix minor faults, change tyres and refuelling our buses. In terms of abuse our company’s policy has been effective in protecting us. Everyone treats us vana tete (aunties),” she said.

With three children and a husband, she strives to balance the demands of work and family.

Ms Muchimbwa said if there were engagements that required her presence, she made necessary arrangements such as choosing a representative, if necessary, so as to keep her source of livelihood.

She is not the only female driver at Trip Trans.

There is a sizable number of them, including Ms Masisimani, who has 9 years’ experience as a driver.

The soft spoken Masisimani said she is excited to be a bus driver.

“I am happy about this job; I have had opportunity to teach even men that are older than me how to do some things.

“On my recent trip, my conductor was a 50-year-old man he said he was so challenged that a woman of my age could drive so well,” she said.

Given the inspiration she has become to many people especially other women, Ms Masisimani said she “does not look forward to retiring soon”.

“My tiny body has made me want to achieve more. I want to try to break into cross-border routes because I feel I have garnered adequate experience to achieve that,” she said.

To women, Ms Masisimani said they should not select jobs on the basis that there are some that appear to be God-ordained for males.

She said a woman should be a maid if it is the job available, but then use it to raise funds to start something else that would develop them.

She said if a woman has her means to make money, chances of being exploited by men are few, if at all, which will save them from abuse and diseases.

Masisimani also reiterated that her company has put in place measures to ensure women were protected from all forms of abuse.

She has two children and a husband, and is able to make the employer and family happy through planning.

The women drivers saluted Trip Trans founder, Mr Shadreck Tiripano, for embracing the Government’s efforts of empowering women.

“As women drivers and conductors, we are so proud of Mr Tiripano; he did not consider that we are females, but employed us because we are capable of doing the job.

“He is always saying ‘I want women to work for their families’,” said Ms Masisimani.

Trip Trans is a passenger transportation company that has been operating since 2010.

It employs over 100 people and has a women’s quota of 40 percent.