By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A Lagos-based Civil Society group, the Grassroot People and Gender Development Center (GRADE) has called on the Lagos State Government to make roads safer for motorists, particularly for the safety of female motorists who despite their gender, engage in driving like men
The call was made by GRADE during a one day workshop on gender sensitive reporting organised for media practitioners at Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday with a title ‘Strategic Media Engagement to Promote Safe Space and Decent Work for Female Public Transport Drivers in Lagos State’
GRADE noted that the transport sector in Lagos is experiencing a huge overhaul with influx of tricycle, popularly known as ‘keke’ and the mini bus also called ‘korope’ as the most common means of movement since the ban of motorcycle on major roads within Lagos metropolis.
The driving business which was prior to economic downturn in the country dominated by men, has now been complimented with more women as an option for employment and source of income.
The increasing influx of female drivers into public transport business on Lagos road is attributed to high rate of unemployment, poverty and hunger in the economy. They maintain and double their roles as wives, mothers and daughters despite the daily routine house duties.
Grassroot People and Gender Development Center (GRADE) with support from Actionaid Nigeria (AAN) is implementing the Women’s Voice and Leadership- Nigeria Project (WVL-Nigeria Project) in Lagos, with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Strategic Opportunity Fund (SOF).
WVL-Nigeria Project aims at tackling the barriers to gender equality and supporting the empowerment of women and girls through provision of technical and financial resources to local women’s rights
organisations and their networks.
Through the Women’s Voices and Leadership Nigeria Project’s Strategic Opportunity Fund, GRADE is implementing Strategic Media Engagement to promote safe space and decent work for female public transport drivers in Lagos State
At the one day workshop for media practitioners, the Executive Director of GRADE, Mrs. Vivian Emesowum implored the media to increase their voice in promoting gender sensitive issues by drawing the attention of government to ensure that the road is safe for both men and women drivers and other roadusers.
Mrs Emesowum also encouraged the media to educate the populace on gender terms as it affects both male and female which makes it everyone business.
During the workshop with media practitioners which was facilitated by GRADE Executive director Mrs Emesowum and Barrister Titilope Akosa, topics discussed include Gender Awareness and Sensitivity in Media; Gender Sensitivity Reporting; International, Regional and Subregional Legal Instruments that Promotes Gender Equality and Profession; Communication and Listening Skills in Reporting.
Similarly, a skill and capacity building workshop on road safety laws, offences and fine was held for 20 female public transport drivers in Alimosho and Ojo Local Government Areas of Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ladipo Toyin from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ikotun Command, tutored the women on the importance of the driver’s license which is used nationally while the rider’s card is used only in Lagos. He stressed the need for them to obey speed limit and avoid driving on the fast lane.
Also, the Director from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Mr. Aladesida Olarewaju congratulated the female keke drivers for taking up a male dominated job. He encouraged them to serve as Agents of Change in their various locations by educating other roadusers on roads rules and regulations to avoid offences and fines. He enumerated major offences that can attract fines.
According to Mr. Aladesida, ” ‘Keke marwa’ is not supposed to be a means of transportation in the mega city; it is not part of the smart city agenda of Lagos State but is acceptable due to the present economic situation of the country”. He added that they are expected not to carry overload, obey traffic light, avoid dangerous driving, think of your safety first and consider other road users.
Also, speaking at the training, the executive director of Grassroot People and Gender Development Center advised the women on self care and awareness. She encouraged them to be cautious of their health status and create quality time with their family.