Women who break social stereotypical frames - A woman hits Cairo roads driving a microbus

On the road between Cairo's Northern gate, New Al Marg zone, and the southern gate of Al Qalyoubeya governorate, Khanka City, one finds hundreds of people travel away from Cairo to Khanka city or other villages around it twice daily.

Dozens of Buses, Microbuses and other means of transportation carry the passengers who visit Cairo for work, and study.

Between the local drivers, stands "Huda" a lady who is in her mid-fifties beside the Microbus she works at. She beats her feminine powers and raises her voice loudly to encourage the passengers for her microbus. We get close to her, and she welcomed us to have a short interview with her.

Firstly, Although that Female driving is still somehow not accepted in the Egyptian society, How did you start driving a car?

"Actually, when I was 6, I used to ride different types of bikes in the streets, so I had the passion of being fast, and free, that's why I decided to learn how to drive a car.

I started watching my father during driving his car, then I applied what I've watched and managed to educate myself, I got a license," Huda Initiated

So, you got your own driving license, why did you choose to drive a microbus and to be the only female microbus driver at least in New Al Marg – Khanka way?

"In Fact, there are two other female drivers of the same way," she answered

Basically, I live in Khanka city, and I face hard and miserable economic conditions, especially after 25^th Jan. Revolution. Driving was not my profession, I had a small rising and independent beauty center and I accomplished good success, and good income. But after the 25^th Jan. Revolution, I suffered from money lose, plus, I am from a well-off family that couldn't support my losing.

Unfortunately, I got new psychological crisis in my life after my husband's death; in addition I don't have children, so I found myself alone. That's why I decided to recall my passion towards driving and I got an offer from a female microbus owner for driving," Huda added.

What did encourage you to join this career?

"Mainly, my passion towards driving, and hit the roads, secondly the emptiness I face in my life and my need to money, finally, after deep thinking, I found that driving microbus is not something strange in the Middle East, many countries like Jordan, accept females in this profession, and Egypt faced a prominent experience just like Pink Taxi," She continued

As the rates of sexual harassments and sexual abuse against women increased in Egypt, How do you deal with the others drivers, and passengers?

"Real Egyptian men know who to deal and respect a woman, especially if she is an old woman like me, I am 52!.

So, mostly of young drivers called me "mom" or "aunti" and they support me and help me, till now I didn't face any sexual harassments," Huda expressed.

Finally, we asked her about what the difficulties she face.

She explained, "My income is little, that's why I need to collect, and gain money to buy my own car, secondly, my biggest fear is loneliness, as I live alone, without children, or anyone cares of me."

Finally, we would like to thank Huda for her strength, and confidence to share her thoughts with us,

Stay tuned for other stories from Cairo Streets.