In Lagos, Nigeria, Victoria Oyeyemi received an urgent call late one night last February as she was preparing for bed. A fellow taxi driver, Gladys April Abanang, had been in a serious accident in the Oshodi area of Lagos. Oyeyemi, the chief security officer for Ladies on Wheel Association of Nigeria (LOWAN), rushed to the scene to assist Abanang, who had been injured in the accident. LOWAN, a non-profit organization that supports women drivers, provided assistance to Abanang by arranging for her car to be towed and checking on her regularly during her recovery.
LOWAN, which started with just six members six years ago, now boasts a membership of 5,000 female commercial drivers across Nigeria. The group provides support to its members through various means, including a helpline for emergency assistance, loans for those who do not yet own their cars, and a savings scheme.
Despite the challenges faced by female drivers in Nigeria, including discrimination and harassment, LOWAN members continue to support each other and advocate for their rights. The group also engages in campaigns against gender-based violence and domestic abuse to raise awareness about the issues faced by women in the country.
For many women drivers, the profession offers financial stability and independence. Members like Glory Ashiru and Tolase Olorunnihi have found support and camaraderie within LOWAN, helping them navigate the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. Despite facing obstacles such as unruly passengers and low earnings due to economic hardships in the country, these women drivers find solace in the community and support provided by LOWAN.