Kampala – Within the center of Uganda’s capital, 35-year-dilapidated Joan Kaitesi navigates town’s spoiled web site visitors jams with accumulated determination. As a driver for the World Well being Organization (WHO) Uganda nation attach of job, Joan’s professionalism shines through the day-to-day chaos of blaring horns and impatient toll road users.
From a young age, Joan used to be captivated by autos. Impressed by action motion pictures and a childhood dream of riding tanks in war zones, Joan’s fascination with considerable autos plight her apart. Whereas society in total labelled her interests as “masculine,” Joan remained steadfast, sure to forge a route in a self-discipline traditionally dominated by men.
“Being one of the older kids at dwelling, I had to act as a function mannequin to my siblings in a now no longer easy environment. This pushed me to work grand and never abominate any job, along side roles commonly reserved for men, which led me to be half of the riding self-discipline,” shares Joan, the second-born in a family of six (three ladies and three boys).
Her professional journey started in 2015 on the Infectious Ailments Institute (IDI), the attach she stood out as the only female among 15 candidates. No topic initial intimidation, Joan’s abilities and determination earned her the function, making her the first female driver at IDI. She later joined Chemonics International for five years, and then UN Females, the attach she expanded her responsibilities to encompass helping expatriates with documentation and protocol duties.
In October 2024, Joan joined WHO Uganda for the duration of a polio immunization campaign, turning into the second female driver on the nation attach of job.
Joan’s journey has now no longer been without barriers. She has confronted gender stereotypes and skepticism from male colleagues and toll road users alike. Yet, she has consistently proven her capabilities through posthaste decision-making, time management, and a strong commitment to security and professionalism.
One of her most memorable moments got here in 2021, for the duration of a circumcision campaign in Karamoja. When a nurse used to be unavailable as a consequence of an emergency, Joan stepped in to relieve, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to carrier.
Joan attracts inspiration from trailblazing Ugandan ladies equivalent to Justice Julia Sebutinde of the International Court of Justice and Jennifer Musisi, the first Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority. These function gadgets own shown her that women can thrive in male-dominated areas.
She holds a Bachelor’s stage in Transport and Logistics Administration from Makerere University Alternate College, along with training in 4×4 defensive riding, first relieve, and a range of relevant abilities. For the time being, Joan is pursuing additional education within the equivalent self-discipline, with the intention of turning precise into a mercurial officer. She encourages young ladies to be resilient, professional, and begin to continuous learning.
Initiate air of work, Joan is a passionate recommend for wholesome residing. She works out three to four instances per week and enjoys dancing, whether or now no longer there’s tune or now no longer. She additionally finds pleasure in gardening, in total talking to her vegetation as she tends to them.
