Sindrella Anna Ayo, a 35-year-old driver on the World Well being Group (WHO) Uganda Nation workplace, has grow to be a beacon of inspiration in a occupation historically dominated by males. She has efficiently carved out an area for herself, difficult stereotypes and proving that girls can excel behind the wheel. Her journey is one in all dedication, resilience and breaking boundaries.
A social employee and nurse by coaching, Sindrella was born and raised in Lira district, northern Uganda. She is the fifth born in a household of 4 ladies and two boys.
Sindrella’s 10-year journey behind the wheels was partly motivated by her husband. “He at all times jogged my memory how non-governmental organizations have been eager on recruiting feminine drivers to advance gender equality and fairness,” she says.
Past gender inclusion, monetary safety additionally performed a job in Sindrella’s choice. Earlier than venturing into driving, she labored as a Nursing Assistant in Lira, incomes a modest month-to-month wage of UGX 150,000 (about USD 40). The job required lengthy working hours and spending nights on the office.
In 2014, Sindrella landed her first driving job with a global non-governmental group in northern Uganda. Eight years later, in 2022, She joined WHO as the one feminine candidate amongst 14 candidates.
Sindrella’s journey has not been one with out challenges. She initially confronted skepticism and societal prejudices. Many individuals doubted how a married girl may excel as a driver, with some questioning her husband’s assist.
Within the face of derogatory feedback and misconceptions, Sindrella remained steadfast. She observes that the notion of feminine drivers as “malaya” (prostitutes) is outdated and baseless. Her unwavering dedication to her occupation and her husband’s belief have been instrumental in overcoming these challenges.
Sindrella and her husband have been collectively for practically 15 years, weathering societal judgments and proving that mutual belief and respect can overcome any impediment. His perception in her capabilities and the need for a greater future for his or her household has strengthened Sindrella.
Balancing work, additional training and household life is a problem Sindrella handles with grace. A mom of 1 boy and two ladies, she makes weekly journeys to Lira, greater than 300 km away, to test on her household and attend weekend college lessons at Uganda Martyrs College, Lira campus. She is pursuing a bachelor’s diploma in public administration, with aspirations to transition into administration-related work.
Being driver immediately, explains Sindrella, requires extra than simply driving expertise, “Drivers must have extra expertise in administration, logistics, and pc literacy. This makes them extra marketable {and professional}, contributing to a extra constructive picture of the occupation.”
Sindrella’s dedication to sustaining excessive requirements of conduct, each on and off the highway, has earned her respect from colleagues and passengers: “When a passenger approaches me, I at all times introduce myself, assist with the baggage, and remind them of the protection precautions, together with carrying a seat belt,” she explains. “Within the unlikely occasion that I encounter troublesome passengers; I exhibit persistence and politeness.”
She provides, “The defensive driving coaching taught me easy methods to work together with different highway customers professionally and safely. I can ably deal with any terrain and highway situations with confidence.”
Amongst Sindrella’s proudest achievements is buying land and constructing a house along with her husband. She emphasises the significance of girls contributing to their households’ monetary stability and breaking free from conventional gender roles.
Trying forward, Sindrella envisions a shiny future. She is decided to realize her objectives, together with doubtlessly working overseas. Her dedication to work, household, and training units a robust instance for different ladies aspiring to interrupt boundaries of gender stereotype.
“If there’s one factor I’ve realized,” she displays, “it’s that boundaries are supposed to be damaged.”