Breaking Barriers: Sindrella Anna Ayo’s journey as a female driver

Sindrella Anna Ayo, a 35-year-conventional driver at the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda Country administrative heart, has transform a beacon of inspiration in a career traditionally dominated by males. She has successfully carved out a space for herself, challenging stereotypes and proving that females can excel at the back of the wheel. Her journey is one in all determination, resilience and breaking barriers.

A social employee and nurse by training, Sindrella was born and raised in Lira district, northern Uganda. She is the fifth born in a family of 4 ladies and two boys. 

Sindrella’s 10-year journey at the back of the wheels was partly motivated by her husband. “He always reminded me how non-governmental organizations had been all in favour of recruiting female drivers to advance gender equality and fairness,” she says.

Beyond gender inclusion, financial security also played a feature in Sindrella’s decision. Before venturing into driving, she worked as a Nursing Assistant in Lira, earning a modest month-to-month salary of UGX 150,000 (about USD 40). The job required lengthy working hours and spending nights at the workplace. 

In 2014, Sindrella landed her first driving job with an international non-governmental organization in northern Uganda. Eight years later, in 2022, She joined WHO as the easiest female candidate among 14 applicants.

Sindrella’s journey has now no longer been one without challenges. She initially faced skepticism and societal prejudices. Many of us doubted how a married woman may perhaps excel as a driver, with some questioning her husband’s make stronger. 

Within the face of derogatory comments and misconceptions, Sindrella remained steadfast. She observes that the perception of female drivers as “malaya” (prostitutes) is outdated and baseless. Her unwavering commitment to her career and her husband’s belief have been instrumental in overcoming these challenges.

Sindrella and her husband have been together for nearly 15 years, weathering societal judgments and proving that mutual belief and admire can overcome any obstacle. His belief in her capabilities and the necessity for a higher future for their family has reinforced Sindrella. 

Balancing work, additional education and family existence is a challenge Sindrella handles with grace. A mother of 1 boy and two ladies, she makes weekly trips to Lira, extra than 300 km away, to examine on her family and attend weekend university classes at Uganda Martyrs University, Lira campus. She is pursuing a bachelor’s level in public administration, with aspirations to transition into administration-related work.

Being a suitable driver today, explains Sindrella, requires extra than appropriate driving talents, “Drivers must have additional talents in administration, logistics, and laptop literacy. This makes them extra marketable and professional, contributing to a extra distinct image of the career.”

Sindrella’s commitment to maintaining excessive standards of behavior, each on and off the road, has earned her admire from colleagues and passengers: “When a passenger approaches me, I always introduce myself, assist with the luggage, and remind them of the safety precautions, at the side of wearing a seat belt,” she explains. “Within the unlikely event that I come across sophisticated passengers; I explain patience and politeness.”

She adds, “The defensive driving training taught me the way to interact with other road users professionally and safely. I can ably handle any terrain and road prerequisites with self belief.”

Among Sindrella’s proudest achievements is acquiring land and building a house along with her husband. She emphasises the importance of females contributing to their families’ financial stability and breaking free from traditional gender roles.

Taking a look ahead, Sindrella envisions a radiant future. She is decided to achieve her goals, at the side of potentially working abroad. Her dedication to work, family, and education gadgets a remarkable example for other females aspiring to break barriers of gender stereotype.

“If there’s one thing I have learned,” she reflects, “it’s that barriers are meant to be damaged.”