Flone is an award-winning women-led charitable Trust promoting the mobility rights of vulnerable groups by providing and implementing human-centred solutions.
Our Story
Our journey from inception to what the future holds
Naomi Mwaura, Flone’s Founding Director, grew up watching her uncles work as public vehicle drivers, conductors and cleaners. Naomi did not see the matatu industry as a lost cause but as a misunderstood and neglected industry. At one time, however, she was physically assaulted by public vehicle conductors. These contrasting experiences demonstrated the need for an initiative that would improve the lives of public transport operators, create safer spaces for women, and change the matatu industry for the better.
Flone Initiative is a name combination of Naomi’s parents, Florence and Nehemiah, who were the first supporters of the initiative.
Today, Flone Initiative has grown in strength and impact, gaining visibility, authority and legitimacy as an agent of positive change within the transportation industry.
Our Core Values
Mission
To promote a safe, inclusive, and accessible public transport system for women, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), children, and other vulnerable groups in Africa through engagements with transport service providers, capacity development, research and knowledge generation, and advocacy.
Vision
A just public transport system
What We Do
We're driven to stand in the gap for women in the transport sector
We at Flone Initiative are a women-led organization committed to transforming public transportation systems in Africa, making them safer, more inclusive, and accessible for women, youth, persons with disabilities, children, and other vulnerable groups. Through our engagement with service providers, capacity development, research, knowledge generation, and advocacy, we aim to promote behavioral change and foster a just public transit environment. Our mission is to reshape the transportation landscape by addressing gender equity, inclusion, and mobility challenges, while empowering communities and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups in the sector. By collaborating with stakeholders, we at Flone Initiative strive to create sustainable and equitable transportation solutions across the continent.
Where We Work
Key Defining Moments Throughout Our Fulfilling Journey
Kenya 🇰🇪
Kenya: Empowering Women in Transport (Attract, Retain and Advance)
In Kenya, Flone Initiative operates Women in Transport Chapters in key urban centers such as Nakuru, Nairobi, and Machakos. These chapters serve as vibrant convenings for advocacy, education, and networking, empowering women within the transportation sector. Through various initiatives, Flone Initiative facilitates skill development workshops, promotes leadership opportunities, and advocates for policies that advance gender equality in transportation.
Uganda 🇺🇬
Strengthening Women’s Representation
Partnering with the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union (ATGWU), Flone Initiative spearheaded the establishment of a dedicated women’s committee within the trade union. This committee serves as a platform for women to voice their concerns, access resources, and collectively advocate for their rights within the union and the transport industry.
Rwanda 🇷🇼
Enhancing Employability Through Research
In Kigali, Rwanda, a concerted effort has been made to address the challenges faced by women in accessing training opportunities and securing employment within this sector. Flone Initiative in partnership with UEMI and SOLUTIONS, Plus to conduct a case study to identify key challenges and critical success factors for gender mainstreaming in training and employment in the public transport industry in Kigali. Building upon the assessment findings, the SOLUTIONSPlus project aims to provide training and support to women interested in becoming drivers of electric motorcycle taxis in Kigali. By equipping women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, the project seeks to empower them to actively participate in the e-mobility sector and contribute to sustainable urban transport solutions.
Our work doesn't stop with these three countries. We aim to impact more countries in Africa through your support. Let's create safe, sustainable and accessible public transportation spaces.
Milestones
Key Defining Moments Throughout Our Fulfilling Journey
Flone Initiative is legally registered
Press Conference to condemn the stripping of a woman in Nyeri town, Kenya.
Nyeri and Kisumu intergender Dialogues in response to the women stripped off their clothes at bus terminals.
Githurai training with in response to a woman stripped off her clothes at the Githurai Market.
Report it Stop it crowdmapping platform developed in partnership with Ushahidi
#MyDressMyChoice
#MyDressMyChoice campaign that saw thousands of women protest the harassment and violence perpetrated against women in the Kenya public transport system. The campaign led to public discussion on the issue, legal reforms, revised national driving school curriculum and more civil societies working on creating safe public spaces
Usalama Wa Uma
Development of the Usalama Wa Uma training manual and program: In addition to prevention of sexual violence training, the program incorporated trainings on customer service and professional development
Development and launch of Women in Transportation (WIT) Program
First Inaugural Eastern Africa Women in Transport Conference
We envision a world where everyone is able to experience all freedoms of mobility.
Get Involved
See various ways you can support our causes
Join us in reshaping the landscape of public transportation across Africa. Our mission is to not only enhance convenience but also prioritize safety for all, with a particular focus on the needs of women commuters, professionals, and individuals with disabilities. Together, let’s forge a path toward inclusive and accessible transit systems that empower every member of our communities.