From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN), has protested against prolonged assault on female taxi drivers especially in Lagos State.
FEDAN Founder and President, Eunice Odeghe on behalf of the members, in a statement yesterday, noted that the recent harassment of a female driver, long Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos mirrored a stark reminder of the ordeal many female commercial drivers face on a daily basis.
She said: “The Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) are outraged and deeply disturbed by the recent incident of assault and harassment perpetrated against one of our members near the Oriental Hotel, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.
“The attack, which occurred on Monday, is a stark reminder of the ordeal many female commercial drivers face on a daily basis. We condemn this senseless act in the strongest possible terms.
“As an Organisation, we are committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of our female members who have chosing 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.
“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 seem to think that they have the right to exercise their “muscle” over women on the wheel.
“This is a vicious cycle that must be broken, and we are calling on the relevant authorities; including the Lagos State government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take immediate action to address this issue.”
She urged the public, particularly the licensed operators in parks and on the road, to join us in condemning this evil act.
“We want our women to be able to perform their duties without fear of harassment and assault. We want them to be able to enjoy their careers in the transportation industry without being subjected to such indignities.
“To the authorities, we call on you take concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of our female members and bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice.
“We urge all transport licensed operators, both in parks and on the road, to join hands in stopping this evil act. We want our women to be able to pursue their chosen careers in transportation without fear of harassment or assault.”
Consequently, she demanded immediate investigation into incidents of assault and harassment of female commercial Drivers in Nigeria.
“Justice for victims of violence on our roads; A safe and supportive environment for women drivers; Collaboration with transport operators to prevent future incidents,” she added.