Gambian Female Taxi Driver
In The Gambia, a small West African country known for its hospitality and vibrant culture, the transportation sector has long been dominated by men. However, a few determined women are now challenging gender norms by entering the taxi industry. Becoming a female taxi driver in The Gambia was not only rare but also a bold step that highlights both resilience and courage in the face of cultural and economic barriers.
Number of Female Taxi Drivers
Female taxi drivers are somewhat rare in The Gambia. As of recent estimates, fewer than 20 women are known to drive taxis professionally across the country but this may have change since the time of posting. Most operate in the Greater Banjul and Kombo Areas, where urbanization and a growing demand for transportation make it slightly more viable. These women often face scepticism from passengers and fellow drivers simply for being women in a male-dominated profession.
Specific Dangers
Female taxi drivers face several unique dangers. Safety is a constant concern—especially at night. Some women report harassment from male passengers or colleagues, while others speak of robberies and threats on isolated roads. Unlike men, women often cannot take the same risks, such as working late hours or picking up passengers in unfamiliar areas, which limits their ability to earn more money. For this reason their working hours may often be restricted to mornings and/afternoons. And they often mostly have proffered know clients that call them for regular trips.
Earning Potential in The Gambia
The average taxi driver in The Gambia earns between 1000 and 2000 dalasis per day (approximately £11–£22 GBP), depending on fuel costs, weather, type of trip (12 dalasi or town trip) and passenger availability. For women, earnings are often on the lower end of the spectrum due to shorter working hours and restricted routes. In addition, many female drivers are single mothers or primary caregivers, which affects how much time they can spend on the road.
Advantages Over Male Taxi Drivers
Despite these challenges, female taxi drivers have some advantages. Many female passengers feel safer and more comfortable riding with women, particularly at night, if available at night, and usually this will be with known loyal customers. Women drivers are also often seen as more polite, patient, and careful behind the wheel, earning them loyal customers who seek them out. Some NGOs and local businesses even prefer hiring female drivers for staff transportation due to perceived reliability and professionalism.
Gambia’s female taxi drivers continue to challenge norms, as a matter of survival.
Discrimination
Discrimination remains a serious barrier. Some male drivers exclude women from taxi ranks or refuse to help with mechanical issues. Passengers sometimes refuse rides simply because the driver is a woman. In some cases, even family members discourage women from pursuing this line of work, seeing it as inappropriate or too dangerous.
Still, Gambia’s female taxi drivers continue to challenge norms, as a matter of survival, paving the way for other women to do the same in the future.
If you liked this post share it with a female taxi driver that you know, we would be interested to know about specific cases of female taxi drivers in the Gambia. Thank you in advance!
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Areas covered:
| Kombo North | Bakau, Fajara, Kotu, Bijilo, Brusubi, Brufut, Tanji, Manjai Kunda |
| Kombo South | Sanyang, Gunjur, Kartong, Batokunku, Jambanjelly |
| Kombo Central | Brikama, Busumbala, Farato, Lamin, Yundum, Mandinary, Banjulinding |
| Kombo East | Sibanor, Kafuta, Bulock, Bwiam, Kanilai |
Areas covered: Abuko Bakau Banjul Banjulunding Bansang Basse Santa Su Bijilo Brikama Brufut Brusubi Bundung Busumbala Dippa Kunda Farafenni Farato (West Coast) Gimara Bakadaji Gunjur Janjanbureh (Georgetown) Jufureh Kalagi Kanilai Kerewan Kololi Kotu Kuntaur Lamin (North Bank Division) Lamin (Western Division) Latri Kunda German Latri Kunda Sabiji Manjai Kunda Mansa Konko Nema Kunku Serekunda Soma Sukuta Tabokoto Tallinding Tanji Yundum.
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