Women drivers delivering for children in Mozambique
As we celebrate Women’s month, the journeys of Carmen Ribeiro and Elisa Baptista serve as powerful reminders of what women can accomplish when given the opportunity and recognition.
Carmen Ribeiro (54) and Elisa Baptista (44) drive for UNICEF Mozambique. They have faced rough roads and personal challenges, overcoming stereotypes that suggest women are not well suited for certain professions. Their work is about more than just driving. By breaking stereotypes and encouraging other women to work in logistics and operations, they help UNICEF reach the most vulnerable children in Mozambique.
“A career in driving is within everyone’s reach, regardless of gender”
A career in driving is within everyone’s reach, regardless of gender. I would like to say to all the women out there: Don’t hold yourselves back. You must fight to make your dreams come true. Nothing is impossible.
Born in Quelimane, Zambézia Province, Carmen grew up with two brothers, who involved them in their games and activities. By the age of twenty, she had earned her driving licence and embarked on a career as an independent driver, transporting cargo and passengers across Mozambique. Her early years were spent navigating vast provinces, connecting communities, and learning every contour of her country.
Here, Carmen’s extensive knowledge of Zambézia proved invaluable, particularly as she navigated roads damaged by weather and time, especially during the rainy season, when maintaining vehicles becomes a daily challenge. The difficulty extended beyond technical issues, as it involved entering a profession traditionally dominated by men. Nevertheless, she continues to reach remote areas, delivering aid and hope to vulnerable children.
“Memorable moments are a constant part of my experience, especially when I reach remote areas and help vulnerable children. These achievements motivate me and renew my courage in the face of the challenges I encounter in the field,” she said.
With determination and support, Carmen now encourages other women to pursue driving as a career, insisting that skill, not gender, defines a good driver. “A career in driving is within everyone’s reach, regardless of gender. I would like to say to all the women out there: Don’t hold yourselves back. You must fight to make your dreams come true. Nothing is impossible. We are here; we are women, and we did it. Don’t hesitate, go for it and fight for what you want.”
“I dreamed, and I succeeded”
When I'm doing fieldwork, I make it a point to get involved with the local communities and talk to grandmothers directly instead of staying in the car.
Elisa Baptista recently joined UNICEF Mozambique in Maputo Province. She always dreamed of working in organizations that make a difference. From an early age, she has always been interested in activities stereotypically associated with men: soccer and driving. At eighteen, she paid her way through driving school, overcoming family doubts with determination. Elisa not only obtained her driving licence, but also pursued certification as a driving instructor, achieving qualifications for both heavy and professional vehicle categories.
Elisa’s passion and determination led her to work in her first UN organization in 2019. From that experience, she clearly remembers a challenging situation when she had to drive to a difficult path right after Cyclone Freddy in 2023, where she faced obstructed roads, inundated pathways, and unstable conditions. She responded proactively by identifying alternate routes and assisting with the coordination of aid distribution efforts.
Despite facing challenges and resistance from family, she persisted, and now she found herself working handling both office and field assignments. Elisa recognizes the barriers women face, however her passion for her work brings satisfaction and connection with people.
"When I'm doing fieldwork, I make it a point to get involved with the local communities and talk to grandmothers directly instead of staying in the car." What I value most about these experiences is building relationships with people. Women who want to reach their goals should not give up and keep working toward their dreams. I dreamed, and I succeeded," Elisa said.
Impact on Communities
As Mozambique continues to face natural disasters and evolving humanitarian needs, the work of these women drivers remains vital. By reaching remote villages, providing transport for humanitarian missions, and delivering aid to those in need, they help change lives.
There are currently four women drivers working for UNICEF Mozambique, including two who have recently joined the team. This growing representation demonstrates a commitment to gender inclusivity and provides further inspiration for other women looking to pursue careers in driving and humanitarian work.
As we celebrate Women’s month, the journeys of Carmen Ribeiro and Elisa Baptista serve as powerful reminders of what women can accomplish when given the opportunity and recognition. Their experiences not only honour the progress women have made but also encourage others to continue determined for equality and empowerment in every field.
