Women in Malawi face many societal barriers.
They are not allowed to drive motorcycle taxis, and are discouraged from owning their own business. However, they have found a way to participate in and profit from this thriving industry. They decided to combine their resources and buy taxi businesses, leasing the motorcycles to male drivers.
Owners of the business take home 65 percent of the daily earnings making it a profitable business and filling a critical need. By venturing into motorcycle ownership, they have created jobs, boosted their income, and provided themselves with a much-needed financial buffer.
These trailblazing women have also formed motorcycle ownership clubs that have experienced remarkable growth across the city. Their success has even caught the attention of municipal governments, who now offer mentorship programs and recommend low interest loans to support these clubs. By organizing through unions, they now have access to extra benefits like accident insurance and even possible tax relief.
In a town where reliable transit systems and taxis are scarce, these women are not just filling a critical gap, they’re setting an empowering precedent. By creating employment opportunities, breaking societal norms, and redefining what’s possible, the women of Malawi truly are an inspiration!
