TED Talks Daily A feminist reimagining of Kenya's public transport | Naomi Mwaura
Jun 9, 2021
Naomi Mwaura, an activist and TED Fellow from Kenya, passionately advocates for women's safety in public transportation. She highlights the colorful yet risky nature of matatus, Kenya's minibuses, and calls for a feminist revolution in this sector. Mwaura discusses the pressing issues of harassment and accessibility, proposing innovative solutions that ensure safer transit for women. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in routes and creating career opportunities for women in the transport industry, aiming to reshape the future of commuting in Kenya.
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Family Matatu Business
- Naomi Mwaura's family ran a matatu business, including one named "Gridlocked" after a Tupac film.
- Mwaura re-entered the family business bringing a feminist perspective.
Harassment on Public Transport
- 88% of Kenyan women and 95% of women in Cairo experience harassment on public transport.
- This forces women to use costlier transport, hindering financial independence.
Improving Matatus
- Instead of eliminating matatus, Mwaura suggests improving the system through research and collaboration.
- She has worked with thousands of operators and stakeholders to implement changes.