Breaking Barriers: Electric Tricycles Revolutionize Gender Roles in Sub-Saharan Africa
Image source: Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Anna Bhobho is a determined 31-year-old homemaker residing in rural Zimbabwe, where she recently transformed her life through her electric tricycle, which she rides to the local market loaded with vibrant, ripe red tomatoes. In the past, Anna felt confined to the domestic sphere, merely observing her family’s daily activities without being able to participate in financial or family decision-making. This was largely due to the patriarchal culture that deeply entrenched traditional gender roles in her community. However, the purchase of her electric tricycle marked a pivotal moment in her life, granting her the independence and agency to engage in economic activities. She now delivers fresh produce for local farmers in Wedza, a district located approximately 150 kilometers (nearly 100 miles) from the bustling city of Harare.
In many areas of rural sub-Saharan Africa, societal norms have historically restricted women’s involvement in mainstream economic activities, particularly in sectors such as transportation. However, the introduction of environmentally friendly three-wheelers powered by sustainable energy is beginning to shift this narrative. These tricycles have opened doors to financial opportunities, enabling women to reclaim their sense of empowerment and dignity. “My husband now depends on me to manage most of our household expenses—groceries, our children’s school fees, and even furniture,” Anna shares with pride. “I was previously unable to contribute in significant ways, but thanks to this tricycle, I can assist my family in ways I never imagined possible.”
Known as “Hamba,” which translates to “go” in the Ndebele language, these tricycles are powered by solar-charged lithium-ion batteries, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Mobility for Africa, a visionary local startup, launched the project in 2019. Initially, the company leased these vehicles to women’s groups for a modest fee of $15 per month. Over time, the initiative evolved into a lease-to-purchase model, allowing individuals like Anna to eventually own their tricycles outright. Through hard work and dedication, Anna has not only acquired her tricycle but also achieved significant personal milestones, including becoming a landowner and opening a small grocery store. This financial turnaround has enabled her to enroll her children in a private school with better educational resources and opportunities, a stark contrast to their former educational experiences in underfunded rural public institutions. With her earnings reaching up to $300 monthly, Anna’s income now rivals that of government employees, such as schoolteachers. Beyond the financial gains, she has experienced a remarkable boost in her self-worth and esteem. “Even my husband and in-laws show me more respect now. No one used to heed my opinions, but today I have a voice in important family matters,” she confidently declares as she reflects on her impactful role as a mother of three.
The introduction of electric tricycles like Anna’s has significantly improved the lives of many women in Zimbabwe, including those who do not own a tricycle but rely on them for daily responsibilities. Gone are the days of trekking long distances to carry heavy loads of firewood, buckets of water, or agricultural produce. Designed to navigate narrow pathways that cars cannot access, these tricycles can efficiently reach remote farms and homesteads. Their affordability makes them accessible to local women, thus enhancing their economic mobility and independence.
One farm owner, Hilda Takadini, attests to the transformative effect of Anna’s tricycle services on her agricultural business. Previously, she depended on an ox-drawn cart, which required her to embark on exhausting pre-dawn trips, often leaving her home at 3 a.m. to travel 18 kilometers (11 miles) to the market. More often than not, her early morning efforts yielded frustration, arriving too late for her produce to sell and resulting in wasted tomatoes. “Transporting our produce was a nightmare. We used to wake up before dawn and travel long distances, often arriving late or losing our goods. Now, thanks to Anna’s services, we can reach the market on time,” expresses the grateful 34-year-old farmer of six.
In Wedza, a remarkable initiative has developed where all electric tricycle operators are women. These women receive thorough training in safe driving methods, ensuring that they can operate the tricycles confidently and with safety in mind. The operational costs remain manageable, with replacing a depleted lithium battery for a fully charged one costing only $1 after about 100 kilometers (approximately 70 miles) of travel. Carlin Thandi Ngandu, the community engagement coordinator for Mobility for Africa, reports that around 300 women across Zimbabwe are currently involved in this program, ensuring that a remarkable 70% of the beneficiaries are women. “Our aim is to provide rural communities with affordable transportation solutions, particularly for women,” Ngandu emphasizes. “Many women spend hours trying to access markets, hospitals, or reliable water sources. The tricycle has significantly improved last-mile mobility and made a noticeable difference in their daily lives.”
These electric tricycles are not just changing local economies; they are also playing a crucial role in improving access to healthcare for women and children in rural areas. Josephine Nyevhe, a dedicated community health worker and volunteer, utilizes her tricycle to connect rural families with much-needed healthcare services. While attending to a group of mothers and their children by the roadside, Nyevhe sets up a weighing scale on a neighboring tree branch to assess the children’s health and growth. Many times, her tricycle has been a vital link, bridging gaps in healthcare access that previously inhibited families from seeking medical assistance. Through her efforts, she embodies the potential of these tricycles not just to empower women economically, but also to enhance the overall well-being of their communities.
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