Schumen Kamalu, a female driver in the DRC: Driving is neither a man’s nor a woman’s job!

A passion turned into a career

Schumen is 39 years old and the mother of two children. She lives in Kinshasa in the Democratic republic of Congo with her family.

Schumen first learnt to drive at the age of 18, thanks to a priest who taught her the basics. This initial experience quickly turned into a passion that she now shares with other women to encourage them to follow their own path.

In 2022, when she moved to Kinshasa with her family, she applied to HI for a job as a driver and was hired.

Finding her place in a male-dominated profession

Schumen’s early days in this profession were particularly difficult. In this predominantly male working environment, she had to deal with comments and doubts about her abilities.

Her supervisor, who was more demanding of her, gave her more tasks than her colleagues and regularly questioned her legitimacy. But far from discouraging her, these obstacles strengthened her resolve.

“Driving isn’t a man’s job or a woman’s job!” she says with a smile, looking back on that time.

On top of this professional pressure came a heavy domestic workload. She bore full responsibility for the family. Every day, she would get up very early at 3.30 am to prepare meals, look after her children and get the house in order before leaving for work.

In the evenings, she would carry on with the housework and helping the children with their homework. Supported by her loved ones and thanks to a well-organised family routine, she managed to successfully complete her probationary period.

“When I told my husband the news, he said he could see how passionate I was and promised to buy me a Land Cruiser!” says Schumen.

Persevering and thriving today

Today, the initial tensions have faded. Her colleagues now regard her as a driver in her own right, without distinction. Schumen is thriving in her job and has no plans to move on.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever stop. Driving is a real passion for me,” she confides.

She is a source of pride for her children. They encourage her every day and see her as a heroine.

Schumen encourages all women, who often face discrimination or social pressure, to pursue their dreams with determination.

“There are many women who face harassment and pressure, but I want to tell all women that it is possible!”