Sheila Mpala’s journey into the world of cargo truck driving in Zimbabwe is a compelling narrative of resilience, breaking barriers, and challenging gender norms in a male-dominated industry. Once dreaming of becoming a nurse or a mortician, Mpala found herself steering down a radically different path due to financial necessities and the constraints placed by her husband’s perspectives on her career aspirations. At 32, Mpala has emerged as a rare female presence in Zimbabwe’s truck driving scene, an industry where women reportedly constitute a mere 5% of the workforce, according to estimates by the Zimbabwe Haulage Truck Drivers Union (ZHTDU).
The decline of the National Railways of Zimbabwe has inadvertently led to a surge in cargo trucking, presenting both an economic lifeline and a set of formidable challenges. Women entering this sector face myriad obstacles, ranging from access to training and employment to combating sexual harassment and the absence of gender-specific facilities at truck stops and international border crossings. Despite these hurdles, Mpala’s determination remains unshaken, her resolve fueled by a desire not only to succeed personally but also to initiate systemic changes that would accommodate and encourage more women in the profession.
Mpala’s quest for employment as a truck driver was anything but straightforward. Despite obtaining her truck-driving license in 2017, she found herself trapped in a catch-22 situation, unable to gain employment without experience, yet unable to acquire experience without an opportunity to work. This challenge is not unique to Mpala; it reflects a broader issue within the industry, where the high cost of training and the reluctance of companies to hire inexperienced drivers create significant barriers to entry, particularly for women.
Her breakthrough came through perseverance, unpaid training trips, and the supportive network within the truck driving community. However, this victory was marred by personal sacrifice; her career choice ultimately led to the disintegration of her marriage. Nevertheless, Mpala’s commitment to her career and her children remained unwavering. She navigated through the challenges of long-distance parenting and the rigors of the job with remarkable resilience.
Mpala’s experiences on the road highlight the skill, patience, and fortitude required to thrive as a truck driver. From mastering mechanical skills to managing personal hygiene in less-than-ideal conditions, she has proven herself in a field that is as demanding as it is unforgiving. Her efforts to ensure safety and dignity, navigating through the complexities of border crossings, and dealing with the skepticism and harassment from some male counterparts, underscore the systemic changes needed to make the industry more inclusive and equitable.
Despite the obstacles, Mpala’s story is one of inspiration and empowerment. Her success and advocacy work through the ZHTDU has begun to pave the way for more women to consider careers in truck driving. By challenging the stereotypes and pushing for improvements in the industry, Mpala not only seeks to better her own circumstances but also to foster an environment where women are welcomed, respected, and provided with the necessary support to succeed.
As she prepares for another journey, Mpala’s routine at the crack of dawn—a meticulous check of her truck, a quick bath at the truck stop, and the solitary drive towards the Mozambican border—serves as a powerful testament to her dedication and the potential for transformation within the truck driving industry. Her story resonates with a message of hope, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one’s aspirations, regardless of the obstacles. It is a clarion call for societal and industry-wide changes that recognize and value the contributions of women in every field, including the challenging terrain of cargo truck driving in Zimbabwe.
Source: Newsday
