Kampala – Within the coronary heart of Uganda’s capital, 35-year-old Joan Kaitesi navigates town’s notorious visitors jams with calm dedication. As a driver for the World Well being Group (WHO) Uganda nation workplace, Joan’s professionalism shines via the day by day chaos of blaring horns and impatient highway customers.
From a younger age, Joan was captivated by autos. Impressed by motion movies and a childhood dream of driving tanks in struggle zones, Joan’s fascination with huge autos set her aside. Whereas society usually labelled her pursuits as “masculine,” Joan remained steadfast, decided to forge a path in a discipline historically dominated by males.
“Being one of many older kids at residence, I needed to act as a task mannequin to my siblings in a difficult atmosphere. This pushed me to work laborious and by no means despise any job, together with roles generally reserved for males, which led me to hitch the driving self-discipline,” shares Joan, the second-born in a household of six (three women and three boys).
Her skilled journey started in 2015 on the Infectious Illnesses Institute (IDI), the place she stood out as the one feminine amongst 15 candidates. Regardless of preliminary intimidation, Joan’s abilities and dedication earned her the function, making her the primary feminine driver at IDI. She later joined Chemonics Worldwide for 5 years, after which UN Girls, the place she expanded her obligations to incorporate aiding expatriates with documentation and protocol duties.
In October 2024, Joan joined WHO Uganda throughout a polio immunization marketing campaign, turning into the second feminine driver on the nation workplace.
Joan’s journey has not been with out obstacles. She has confronted gender stereotypes and skepticism from male colleagues and highway customers alike. But, she has persistently confirmed her capabilities via fast decision-making, time administration, and a powerful dedication to security and professionalism.
Considered one of her most memorable moments got here in 2021, throughout a circumcision marketing campaign in Karamoja. When a nurse was all of the sudden unavailable resulting from an emergency, Joan stepped in to help, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to service.
Joan attracts inspiration from trailblazing Ugandan ladies reminiscent of Justice Julia Sebutinde of the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice and Jennifer Musisi, the primary Govt Director of Kampala Capital Metropolis Authority. These function fashions have proven her that ladies can thrive in male-dominated areas.
She holds a Bachelor’s diploma in Transport and Logistics Administration from Makerere College Enterprise College, together with coaching in 4×4 defensive driving, first assist, and different related abilities. At the moment, Joan is pursuing additional schooling in the identical discipline, with the aim of turning into a fleet officer. She encourages younger ladies to be resilient, skilled, and open to steady studying.
Exterior of labor, Joan is a passionate advocate for wholesome dwelling. She works out three to 4 occasions per week and enjoys dancing, whether or not there’s music or not. She additionally finds pleasure in gardening, usually speaking to her crops as she tends to them.