Law change means women bus drivers - 20th March 2024

Women are taking to the road as bus drivers in Uzbekistan. The government has overturned a law which forbade women from driving vehicles heavier than 2.5 tonnes.

Saodat Shermatova was over the moon when she found out that the restriction had been lifted and immediately signed up for training.

Saodat Shermatova: "When I heard that the ban on driving buses and trucks for women had been lifted, I cried with joy. My family, children and especially my husband were very happy. My daughter was the happiest and she said, 'You will be one of the first women in Uzbekistan to drive a bus'."

She now takes the number 51 electric bus around the streets of Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, the most densely populated city in central Asia.

Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a more conservative attitude towards women in this largely Muslim country of 35 million. Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, however, in recent years there's been a gradual change with regard to women.

The Uzbek parliament's even introduced a law requiring a 40% share of female candidates in parliamentary elections. It's seen as an attempt to make the political scene, a scene in which women were generally absent, considerably more balanced.

Although Nargiza Gadoyeva, an ex-driving instructor, has no intention of joining parliament, she's glad to get behind the wheel of the bus, from where she can inspire younger women.

Nargiza Gadoyeva: "I'm very happy about this government decision. Men haven't said anything to me yet. Even if they said something, I wouldn't pay attention. I think my example will inspire other women, and in the future, women will also drive trams and trolleybuses. That's why I decided to get behind the wheel."

While there's a long way to go, seeing as there are simply two women bus drivers on Tashkent's roads, Shermatova recognises that in her new role, both men and women are generally encouraging.

Saodat Shermatova: "At first, many passengers looked at me in shock. Men asked questions like, "Isn't this difficult for you?" Others looked silently with disapproval. But I don't care. The main thing is that I'm being trained and in the future, I'll drive this vehicle all on my own. Most of the men and women looked at me positively and wished me luck."