Burmese Women Get Behind the Taxi Wheel

After the Burma government started allowing new cars to be imported into the country two years ago…. the number of cars on the roads has dramatically increased.

Amongst them are many taxis.

While most of the drivers are male…there are a few women drivers.

HtayHtay Win became a taxi driver by accident.

She used to rent out her car as a taxi…. and often passengers thought she was the driver.

“People stopped me when they saw the taxi sign on my car, and if their destination was close I drove them. I was happy to have some extra income.”

Now she’s out on streeets every day at 7 in the morning.

She makes around 13 US dollars in 5 hours.

But it’s not easy being a woman in a male-dominated business.

“Many taxi drivers raised their eyebrows when we meet at traffic lights. Some bus drivers teased me because I was younger and a woman.”

HtayHtay Win says at first she got upset. Now she doesn’t care what they think. 

And many women feel safer with a female driver.

“Women are more stable and aware of the risks of driving, so I feel safer.”

Female taxi drivers are still unusual in Myanmar.

But as so much is changing in the country…women are gaining more freedom and opportunities.

Htay Htay Win is just happy to have a job she enjoys.