Writing by Khadijah Aliyu
In Kano, Northern Nigeria, the sight of a woman behind the handlebars of a commercial tricycle, popularly called Keke Napep, still draws attention.
But a quiet revolution is underway. Once considered a male-only profession, female tricycle drivers are emerging as symbols of resilience, challenging traditional gender roles and redefining womanhood in the region.
Among them are 30-year-old Mary Micheal and 29-year-old Ladi Bilyaminu, both mothers who have turned determination into livelihoods. They are part of a growing number of women who drive tricycles to support their families and demonstrate that women can thrive in public spaces.
Mary is a member of a women tricycle drivers’ cooperative, which offers solidarity, emergency support, and small savings schemes to help members maintain their vehicles and access credit.
“When I first started driving, people would stare,” Mary recalls. “Some laughed, others asked if I had no husband. But I told them I’m doing this for my children, and there’s dignity in every honest job.”
Ladi shares similar experiences. She has faced skepticism from relatives, verbal harassment from male drivers, and rejection from passengers unwilling to ride with women. “Some men would tell me to go home and cook,” she says. “But I refused to give up. Every woman deserves a chance to earn an honest living.”
Security remains a concern. To stay safe, Mary and Ladi operate mainly during daylight and stick to well-populated routes.
Residents interviewed by Grassroots Nigeria say the emergence of female tricycle riders is a positive development that promotes gender equality and inspires younger girls to aim beyond traditional limitations.
According to the Kano State Tricycle Riders Association, over 50 women are now registered as tricycle drivers across the city—a growing movement symbolizing women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and resilience.
