(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Female taxi drivers in the UAE have learned to cope with the situations and challenges, said experts during the event 'Welfare of heels behind the wheel', held by Indian Ladies Association in Abu Dhabi.
The event saw over 50 female drivers from India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Cameroon, Uganda and others being given free health check-up and awareness on ways to stay healthy. Expat drivers said they follow a policy 'drive more to earn more' and try to exceed their set targets to gain incentives, and hardly have time to look after themselves.
Rosita Labrador, who is with Arabia Taxi for three years, said life as a driver is hard. "We have long working hours. I develop back pain after long trips because of sitting idle for long. We cannot take a break during long trips. Also, there are occasions when you have to manage rude customers. But this is part of my daily engagements," said Rosita, who earlier served as a private chauffeur for a family in Al Ain.
"I am working in Abu Dhabi for nine years now. I have big responsibilities back in the Philippines. So, I have learnt to manage ups and downs. There are issues but we always find ways to be happy and smile," said the top earner among females in her company.
Balance work and rest
Stella Nabalindwa, a new driver from Uganda, said there are challenges but there are always ways to deal with them. She said at times passengers will demand to raise speed against set limit.
"I get rude customers but I try to understand their situations. Some will be rushing to the airport. So, I calmly give them reason for speed limits set on roads and the importance of obeying traffic rules," said the driver with Al Gazal Transport, adding that the new speed limit has made roads safer.
However, she noted that driving continuously for 12 hours is very stressful but one has to find time to rest. "It is not healthy. We have to manage our rush hours - morning and evening. I rest in between in my accommodation. I target schools and residential areas in the morning and malls by afternoon and evening. We should take rest as it is not all about making money. We shouldn't drive for four consecutive hours and should take a break of 15 minutes," Stella said about her experience of six months in Abu Dhabi.
Responsible for people's lives
Chikodi Samuel is a trainee driver from Nigeria. The Tawasul Transport driver stressed the need to do exercise and stay fit. "We are responsible for people's lives. Safety of passengers is our priority. To stay focused for long hours, we need to be fit. We should do regular exercise at least for 30 minutes."
She noted drivers who are on road for long will have back pain, sore hands and heels.
"We need to drink a lot of water. It flushes out all unwanted matters from our system. In Nigeria, I used to eat lot of junk food. But now, I stick to healthy diet," she said, and added that the event has made her aware of the health tips to follow.
Joycie Tacbas, who works with Emirates Transport for two years, operates from the Abu Dhabi airport. "I don't have any set company target as I am at the airport. However, we have a 10-hour shift," said the driver from Mindanao in the Philippines.
"We should drink a lot of water and exercise to stay healthy. Yoga sessions are also beneficial. We need to be physically fit to stay for long hours on road," she added.
Ashwani Kumar
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