Victoria Oyeyemi, the chief security officer for Ladies on Wheel Association of Nigeria (LOWAN), received an urgent call one night about a fellow taxi driver, Gladys April Abanang, who had been in a serious accident. LOWAN is a non-profit organization that supports female commercial drivers in Nigeria. Oyeyemi rushed to the scene, arranged for assistance with towing and regularly checked on Abanang until she recovered. LOWAN has grown from six members to 5,000 in six years, providing support, loans, and a savings scheme for its members.
The increase in female commercial drivers in Nigeria is driven by economic reasons, with more women needing to earn money to support their families. However, societal norms and patriarchal attitudes have made it challenging for female drivers to be accepted. Some passengers refuse rides from female drivers, assuming they are bad drivers. LOWAN was established to provide a safe space for female drivers to support each other, share advice, and raise awareness about issues facing women in Nigeria, such as gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
Female drivers in Nigeria face forms of sexual harassment, assault, rejection, and discrimination from passengers, fellow road users, and law enforcement agents. LOWAN collaborates with foundations to report and punish perpetrators of harassment. The organization aims to raise awareness and change societal perceptions about female drivers. The profession serves as a source of income, empowerment, and a getaway from oppressive situations for many women, as highlighted by the experiences of founder Nkechi Abiola and driver Glory Ashiru.
In a tough economic climate with high inflation and rising living costs, LOWAN assists its members with loans to help them own their own cars and provides support during health emergencies or crises. The group also runs a savings club to help members financially. Although members are grateful for the support LOWAN provides, they hope for more government involvement through impactful economic policies, grants, and small-interest loans to make the business more conducive for female drivers. The women acknowledge driving as a way to empower more women in Nigeria and are fighting for acceptance and equal treatment in the male-dominated industry.
