Vestine Mukandayisenga is a 34-year-old motorist in Kigali who started riding a taxi-motor to earn a living in 2009. “People think this job is for desperate people but that is not the case because I am able to get some money to support my family,” says Mukadayisenga. This mother of four is happy with her job despite the many hurdles she goes through as a woman on the road. She actually uses someone else’s motorcycle to earn cash to support her family. “I have to work very hard in order to get the fee the owner of the motorbike demands, plus I have to remain with some money to use as upkeep for my family,” she explains. Mukadayisenga is a widow and looks after her four children as well as other family members at home. She says she starts work very early in the morning until late in the evening when passengers are fewer. “It’s not an easy job because sometimes people and even fellow motorcyclists make fun of me insisting that I am in the wrong place but I thank everyone who encourages me,” Mukadayisenga says. Ends
