Lady driver for Zero Hunger
How one Zimbabwean woman is breaking stereotypes to reach her country’s most vulnerable
Looking back at close to 20 years behind the steering wheel, Patience Haruzibwi says it takes humility, hard work and courage to achieve goals she once considered unattainable.
Patience joined WFP Zimbabwe in 2003 as a driver, after serving in the same role with the Government of Zimbabwe in the Central Mechanical Equipment Department. She proudly recalls once driving former WFP Executive Director, James Morris. But the crown highlight of her career, she said, has been breaking into what was once considered a man’s field.
“People always look at me with surprise when they realize a woman is driving a Land Cruiser, especially in rural communities. It’s what keeps me going.”
Patience recalled one particular incident in 2004. As she and a female field monitor were returning from a food distribution point, an elderly woman attempted to stop her vehicle at a business centre. She recalls slowing down to avoid running her over. The woman started dancing and ululating, and said: “I have been waiting here since morning. I saw you driving past and realized it was a woman driving, I am old but I was sure my eyes were not deceiving me. I just had to make sure so I spent the day waiting for your return. I am proud of you my daughter and will pray for you always.”
“Saying goodbye to my daughter was the hardest part, but I told her that I am a special mother who does what only men are expected to do”
In many rural communities — and cities, and countries, all around the world — it is a common idea that some kinds of work are just for men. Barriers and restrictions are often put up in front of young women and girls — such as discriminatory division of household labour, or unequal distribution of food — that prevents them from aspiring to tackle what are traditionally seen as male professions.
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Patience also talked about the challenge to balance her work duties and her role back at home as a mother.
“I am a proud mother and a grandmother now. At first it was not easy for me when I had to go to the field for a week or two, away from home,” she said. “Saying goodbye to my daughter was the hardest part, but I told her that I am a special mother who does what only men are expected to do.”
Navigating to the peripheries of the countryside is never easy for any driver in Zimbabwe — the terrain can be difficult, especially during the rainy season — but through constant staff training and with the full support of her co-workers and family, it has become a passion of Patience’s to assist in changing lives and achieving Zero Hunger.
“WFP Zimbabwe is championing women like Patience to realize their dreams and to inspire women and young girls.” — Eddie Rowe, WFP Zimbabwe Country Director
WFP Zimbabwe Country Director Eddie Rowe said it is key to give equal opportunities regardless of gender.
“Empowering women and girls is essential to achieving gender equality, Zero Hunger and the Sustainable Development Goals. WFP Zimbabwe is championing women like Patience to realize their dreams and to inspire women and young girls.”
The Country office is also working to raise staff awareness on gender issues, including through the promotion of online courses.
“If women and girls are empowered with the confidence, ability and space to raise their voices and claim their rights, we can achieve gender equality and empower women in the workplace through equal opportunities,” Rowe said.
“Because you are women, don’t live in the shadows of people’s judgment,” Patience said. “Make your own choices in the light of your own wisdom. Whatever men can do we can too.”
