The first female taxi driver in Afghanistan is on a mission to encourage other females to become taxi drivers.
Sara Bahayi, 40, started driving a taxi two years ago in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, and since then she has taught 15 other females how to operate a motor vehicle.
"I am proud that I am a taxi driver," she said, to Tolo News, as conveyed by Pangea Today. "I am serving my Afghanistan. My people. The females, especially, are very comfortable traveling in my car," explaining that if other female drivers emerge it would create a more safe and comfortable environment."
Things haven't been easy for Bahayi, as she only makes about 500 and 1,000 Afghanis ($8.70-$17.50) per day. Since she started driving a cab she has also received countless death threats from those who feel threatened by her actions simply because she is a woman.
"When my passengers are men I talk to them about women's rights, which usually leads to personal and direct threats," Bahayi said. "They say, 'don't drive otherwise I will kill you,' but I don't care. I just carry along with my day and continue working."
Besides the threats, Bahayi loves her adventurous travels, but when she's not operating a taxi, she's a a respected beekeeper, who produces about 40kg of honey per year, according to Tolo News.
"I also have a bee farm, which brings a lot of benefits. Women should also get involved in this as well. It would boost the economy and their financial needs," she added.
Saudi Arabia is currently the only country in the world to ban female drivers though other countries still frown upon women driving.
Two women were detained last year at the border of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for "driving while female."
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