Asho Ahmed Nur, 37, is Burao’s lone female tuk-tuk driver in North Western of Somalia. While it’s her bread and butter, it comes with its share of hurdles, given that this gig is known as men’s domain.
“At the taxi stand, when surrounded by male drivers, people often ask whose bajaj this is. When they learn it’s a woman’s, they refuse to hop in! It’s disheartening. Sometimes I ponder quitting, yet I won’t abandon my dreams,” Asho shared with Radio Ergo.
According to the local tuk-tuk operators’ association, Burao boasts 4,080 drivers – with Asho standing out as the sole woman.
She earns a modest $5-11 daily, whereas her male peers pocket nearly twice as much. She sticks to daytime hours, wary of nighttime dangers. She skips the roadside queues, mostly serving familiar customers.
“My workday starts at six in the morning and runs till noon. After a break, I start again from four in the afternoon until dusk. Night shifts pay more but I steer clear; as a woman, nighttime is risky,” she explained.
Tuk-tuks are Burao’s transport lifeline. Many parents purchase these three-wheelers to give their sons job opportunities and discourage them from seeking employment abroad.
But Asho, having split from her husband, shoulders the responsibility for six children. She decided to drive a tuk-tuk for income, selling a piece of land for $2,000 to buy a refurbished vehicle.
With five months on the job, Asho manages to support her family. She also cares for her five younger siblings, the eldest being 14 years old.
“Earlier, our life was uncertain, with an erratic income. That’s what pushed me to sell my land and get a bajaj. Now, my siblings and children enjoy a reliable livelihood,” she stated.
In February, Asho moved from Aqil Yare displacement camp to an iron-sheet house, paying $30 in rent. Her mother remains in the camp, where the $75 World Vision cash aid stopped in January. Sometimes relatives send support.
“Life was tough before; aid was sporadic and lacking. Now, I work and leave my kids with my mother and grandmother,” Asho disclosed.
She happily enrolled her children in a local school, paying $30 monthly for their education. However, savings for another tuk-tuk remain a distant dream.
“I prioritize school fees whenever possible. When I fall short, I plead with the school to let my kids continue their studies. I juggle many family roles,” said Asho, who had never worked before this.
Her husband once worked in construction but stopped supporting her and the kids after re-marrying.
“Some folks cheer you on while others don’t, but I won’t be deterred. My mission is to care for the 11 people with me. This includes their education, health bills, rent, water, and electricity,” Asho concluded.
