Mbih Lucy is a driver engaged in public transport business. She transports passengers at the Mile 17-Mutengene-Limbe-Douala stretch of road. As a professional driver for close to 15 years, she disclosed what led her into the profession considered as a man’s world. In this exclusive interview, she also talks about her exciting job, her challenges and advise to women as they celebrate Women’s Day.
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The Ultimate: What led you into the public transport profession?
Mbih: I want you to understand that I was first of all a professional teacher. I taught in the primary school for several years. But 15 years ago, I realized that the teaching profession cannot put food on my table, talk less of taking care of my kids. So I decided to quit teaching to driving in order to make more money.
Also, because I have passion for evangelism, winning souls to Christ, I realized that while transporting passengers from one town to another, I could easily preach the gospel to them. I am so fulfilled because I have led many to Christ over the years. This couldn’t be achieved in the classroom.
How do you engage your passengers into evangelism?
Hahahaha. It is usually not easy at times but I cease every opportunity to preach the gospel. Generally, I exploit an opportunity through conversation while driving and before you know, we are already in the gospel talking about Jesus Christ. My passengers love me for that and they know that their lives are secured with me as their pastor in the car.
Where can passengers easily locate you on the highway in case they love to enter your vehicle?
I ply most especially Mutengene-Mile 17, at times Limbe, at times Douala. My specific road is Mutengene-Mile 17
What do you use the money you get from the driving job for?
I have invested in several businesses. I own a 10 hectares cocoa plantation. I am developing it and I own a farmer’s shop in my village at Upper Bayang. So I manage the businesses with most of the money I get from driving. I also use money from driving to develop my family and I sponsor my children. I have two boys.
How do you manage your work load as a mother and a driver?
At times, it is very challenging but my children are also understanding. I have to get up very early and do most of my homework at night.
Yes, I do the cooking, washing of clothes, and cleaning of the house. I handle these chores at night. Before I go to work in the morning, I ensure that there’s food for the children and that the house is in order.
What challenges have you faced in your 15 years of driving?
The major challenge I face is operating in a profession considered for men. I am a single lady facing over 130 colleagues daily. It is usually not easy to get away with them. So I make them my friends. We chat and laugh together and this makes my work easy.
However, I am used to challenges as a Christian because they are bread for our spirit.
My challenges strengthen me instead. They Strengthen me both on the job and in my social life.
How do you usually celebrate the International Women’s Day?
Well, on Women’s Days, I often carry female drivers to the field. I drive them to the field and they enjoy it and most of them are interested in it.
They say mommy, you teach us driving, we are interested in driving. To find a woman driving on the highway to them is very interesting. Such participation is our own way to announce to the world that women are capable of doing extraordinary jobs considered only for me.
What messages do you send across while participating in Women’s Day activities?
It is double face because while I am carrying women to the field, it serves again as publicity.
When they see me driving in the field during march past, they know that having a female driver in public transport as a profession is not just a story but a reality. It also serves as an encouragement to other women to rise up from their comfort zones and delve into a man’s world in order to make more money.
Can we know more about you?
I am Mbih Lucy. I hail from Upper Bayang Sub Division, in Manyu Division, South West Region. I am 57 seven years old.
Interviewed by Hannah Bissong
