As the saying goes, “One thing leads to another,” Ingabire Blandine, who works as a motorcycle From Free Rides to Fame: The Inspiring Journey of Ingabire Blandine, Musanze’s Trailblazing Female Motorcycle Taxi Driver
They say one thing leads to another, and for Ingabire Blandine, this couldn’t be more true. Starting as a motorcycle taxi driver without knowing what the future held, she soon found passengers competing for her services, despite being initially overlooked.
Originally from Musanze District, Ingabire has made a name for herself as the city’s only female motorcycle taxi driver, challenging societal norms and breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession.
In pursuit of quick income, Ingabire tried various ventures. She began by selling vegetables, transporting them from the countryside to city markets. The physical strain of carrying heavy loads led her to learn how to ride a bicycle to ease transportation.
However, the bicycle wasn’t enough to meet her needs. As her business expanded, she decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle. She stopped selling vegetables and shifted her focus to transporting passengers.
Understanding that obtaining a motorcycle license is challenging, Ingabire was undeterred. She persisted through the difficulties and succeeded in earning her license. Instead of immediately starting work, she dedicated time to practicing and even taught others, ensuring she was fully prepared before hitting the road.
“God helps those who help themselves,” the saying goes, and fortune favored Ingabire. She found someone willing to lend her a motorcycle under a profit-sharing agreement until she could afford her own. However, she soon realized she was the only woman among over 1,000 male drivers, which made her feel out of place and question her decision.
Initially, she avoided her male colleagues and parked alone, feeling shy and isolated. Eventually, she recognized that her fear was holding her back and decided to integrate herself with the others, gaining confidence in the process.
Challenges were inevitable, but Ingabire faced them head-on. One significant hurdle was the skepticism from female passengers who doubted her ability as a woman. They feared she might cause an accident and were hesitant to ride with her.
“I had challenges with female passengers,” she recalls. “Some women would come to board and say, ‘This is unusual! How can a girl ride a motorcycle? Are you really going to get me there?’ I would tell them, ‘Trust me, let’s go. If you feel I didn’t transport you well, don’t pay me!’ When we arrived, out of happiness, they would pay me more.”
Her persistence paid off. By offering free rides and guaranteeing customer satisfaction, she won over passengers who appreciated her service and spread the word. This positive feedback helped her gain popularity and a loyal customer base.
Reflecting on her journey, Ingabire feels nothing but pride. “Up to now, this job doesn’t make me feel ashamed. Seeing myself riding a motorcycle among many men gives me pride and enthusiasm,” she says.
Like many ambitious individuals, Ingabire has dreams and goals. She aims to elevate her profession by purchasing her own motorcycle, further establishing her independence and success.
Initially, Ingabire doubted herself, thinking the job was too masculine and perhaps shameful for a woman. However, her experiences have broadened her perspective and inspired her to encourage other young women.
“The advice I would give to girls who fear riding motorcycles or other jobs dominated by men is that they should believe in themselves and work because things are easier than they seem,” she advises. “I am a girl who dared to do this job, which seemed impossible, but now I feel there is no other job I would do. It sustains me, and I see a bright future ahead of me.”
