FEDAN frowns at assault on members, calls on FG for action against offenders

By Idu Jude, Abuja

The Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) has expressed outrage over a recent assault on its members. It has urged the Federal Government (FG) to act swiftly to stop such incidents and ensure compensation for victims.

FEDAN’s Founder and President, Amb. Eunice Odeghe, issued a press statement on Thursday. She described an incident near the Oriental Hotel along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, as a blow to the FG’s campaign against gender inequality. She highlighted that this attack reflects the daily struggles of female commercial drivers in Nigeria.

“We condemn this senseless act in the strongest possible terms,” Odeghe said. “As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of our female members who have chosen careers in the transportation industry. Unfortunately, some men have taken it upon themselves to subject these women to verbal and physical abuse, simply because they dare to operate behind the wheel. This is unacceptable and we will not stand idly by while our members are subjected to such ignominy.”

She continued, “The incident that occurred in Lagos is a clear example of the injustice faced by our members. A female driver was brutally beaten and harassed by a group of men who seemed to think that they had the right to exercise their ‘muscle’ over women at the wheel.” She called it a vicious cycle that must end and urged authorities to intervene immediately.

FEDAN appealed to licensed transport operators and the public to condemn these acts. “We want our women to be able to perform their duties without fear of harassment and assault,” Odeghe said. “We want them to be able to enjoy their careers in the transportation industry without being subjected to such indignities.”

The association demanded concrete steps from the authorities to protect female drivers. “To the authorities, we plead that you take concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of our female members,” she added. “We need your assistance to put an end to this culture of violence and impunity.”

FEDAN called for an immediate investigation into assaults on female commercial drivers, justice for perpetrators, a safe working environment for women drivers, and collaboration with transport operators to prevent future incidents.