Cameroon’s transport sector is largely informal and male-dominated. Taxis, motorcycle taxis, and minibus taxis—often painted yellow—are popular modes of transport, but regulation remains patchy. Assaults in taxis, particularly at night, are a recurring issue, prompting authorities and passengers to seek solutions for improved safety.
Despite efforts to formalize the sector, such as reducing administrative requirements for motorcycle taxi drivers, women remain underrepresented. Gender stereotypes and a lack of institutional support hinder their integration, even though their presence is seen as a guarantee of safety for passengers, especially women and children.
Taxis in Cameroon are a widely used transport option, with predominantly male drivers. Assaults in taxis are frequent, particularly after dark, according to travel advisories from France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The motorcycle taxi sector is largely informal, with anonymous drivers and unregulated parking. The Ministry of Transport has eased administrative requirements for motorcycle taxi drivers, now only requiring a driver’s license and vehicle registration. However, female taxi drivers remain a minority, despite increasing demand for safer transport. Motorcycle taxis, like the 'Babana' services, pose safety risks due to driver anonymity and a lack of regular checks.
The underrepresentation of women in Cameroon’s taxi sector reflects broader structural inequalities. Gender stereotypes, which associate professional driving with men, limit women’s access to these jobs. Yet, their presence could meet a growing demand for safety, particularly from women and families.
The informal nature of the transport sector, which largely evades regulation, worsens these disparities. Anonymous motorcycle taxi drivers operate in insecure conditions, discouraging women from entering the field. While government initiatives, such as relaxed administrative requirements, are a step forward, they alone are not enough to encourage female participation.
For Cameroon and Africa as a whole, this situation presents both an economic and social challenge. Promoting gender diversity in transport could not only enhance safety but also create job opportunities for women while meeting passenger expectations. A holistic approach—combining regulation, awareness campaigns, and financial support—would be necessary to shift mindsets and practices.
For Cameroon, integrating more women into the taxi sector could significantly improve transport safety. By attracting female and family passengers, female drivers could help reduce assaults and improve the sector’s reputation. This could also encourage more women to pursue traditionally male-dominated professions, advancing gender equality.
Across Africa, this model could inspire other countries facing similar challenges. By formalizing the sector and supporting female drivers, governments could create jobs while addressing safety concerns. However, without financial and institutional backing, such initiatives risk remaining marginal.
While female taxi drivers in Cameroon are still a minority, their presence offers an opportunity to enhance safety and service quality. Though cultural and regulatory barriers persist, solutions exist to boost their integration. By combining regulation, awareness, and support, Cameroon could turn this sector into a driver of equality and economic growth.
