Indeed, the path doesn’t warn the traveler! Mutesi Clarisse, who works as a boat operator and tour guide on Lake Kivu, has made a living after daring to enter the field, despite those who discouraged her.
Mutesi Angel, born in Rubavu District, is one of the young women who dared to take to the waters and operate boats—not just for fun but professionally, turning it into a source of income.
In May 2024, she received training from a company called GoFun, and shortly afterward, she began transporting people.
It might surprise you to see a woman operating a boat carrying passengers, or you might doubt her abilities when she is your captain.
Growing up near the water, Mutesi was compelled to learn how to operate boats. When she shared her idea, many around her couldn’t imagine she could do it successfully, ensuring the safety of those she transported.
She received training and soon started operating boats. In the early days, the people she transported didn’t trust her; they doubted how a woman could safely ferry them across the water. This motivated her to work even harder, gaining more knowledge to prove she was capable.
Explaining the challenges she faced and how she overcame them, Mutesi said, “The challenge I faced as a woman in this profession was the lack of confidence from the people I transported. Since they were used to being transported by men, they felt unsafe when being transported by a woman.”
“As time went on, I gained more knowledge, and they began to trust me. Now I transport everyone without any issues; they realize that women can do it too.”
She mentioned that operating boats is a profession that can sustain you even if it’s the only job you have. She emphasized that since she started operating boats, she has been able to meet her essential needs.
Currently, GoFun—a company that operates and rents boats—has over ten employees, mostly men, among whom is this young woman who has made it her profession.
She said, “GoFun provides training to those learning to operate boats, has built modern rental apartments to assist its clients, and also rents out boats to those who wish to operate independently.”
In an interview with KURA, she stated that she dreams of expanding her development and increasing her expertise in her profession. She aims to reach the level of purchasing her own boat, better than the ones she currently operates, and to help other young people who are still afraid of this profession even though they love it.
This courageous young woman, who dared to pursue her passion during challenging times, offered advice to women and girls who are still afraid of certain jobs they consider to be for men.
She said, “My advice to women and girls who are afraid of certain jobs they think are for men is to be courageous. If they love a particular profession, they should pursue it—they can do any job.”
