21-Year-Old Female Boda-Boda Rider inspires women to join the trade in WES

By Waure Eddy

In a profession largely dominated by men, 21-year-old Stella Jonathan is proving that determination and resilience can pave the way for success. A proud member of the Boda-Boda Association since February 2024, Jonathan has embraced the commercial motorcycle business amid challenging circumstances.

Speaking to The Dawn Newspaper at Masia Market Park, Jonathan shared her journey.

Born into a poor family, she dropped out of primary school in class six due to lack of financial support. Despite these hurdles, she refused to give up and found a way to earn a living and support her family.

Jonathan started by borrowing a motorbike each morning and returning it in the evening, splitting her earnings with the owner. While this arrangement is far from ideal, she is earning some money out of it.

“This work impresses me so much because I’m competing with boys from better-off families who own their motorbikes,” she said.

“Some members of the Boda-Boda Association encourage me to keep working and hope that I can eventually own a motorbike through the support of well-wishers. If I had my own motorbike, I know I could do even better,” she added.

Despite not having formal schooling beyond primary six, Jonathan is determined to ensure a bright future for her family. She has already managed to send four of her nieces and nephews to school using her meager income she earns from her work.

“With this ragger-ragger system, I earn enough to support my family. Some days, I make 50,000 to 100,000 SSP because customers love my services. They trust me and want to see me succeed,” said Jonathan.

However, Jonathan’s journey has been full of challenges.

If the motorbike owner decides to take it back, she is out of work. Yet, her reliability and reputation have earned her the trust of other motorbike owners, ensuring she rarely goes more than a couple of days without work.

“I’m not afraid of this job. Unlike others where you wait for a monthly salary, in this work, you earn daily, and there are many ways to make money,” said Jonathan.

Jonathan continues to inspire her community, proving that with hard work and perseverance, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.

Her dream of owning a motorbike is a goal she works toward every day, determined to create a bright future for herself and her family.