Naomi Njeri Mwaura, founder of Flone Initiative, is dedicated to improving women’s safety in public transport in Kenya. In a recent interview with Ashoka’s Josephine Nzerem, she discussed her journey in reforming the country’s transport system and empowering women in the industry.
Kenya’s public transport system is largely operated by private citizens, with informal employment arrangements for drivers and conductors. Naomi’s passion for reforming the sector was sparked by personal experiences of assault and witnessing viral videos of women facing violence on buses. These experiences led her to establish Flone Initiative Trust in 2013.
Flone Initiative focuses on action research and knowledge generation to address gaps in women’s safety on public transport. By tracking incidents and making specific recommendations to the matatu industry, Flone Initiative has contributed to ongoing conversations about gender and mobility in Kenya.
One of Flone Initiative’s milestones was co-organizing the #MyDressMyChoice protest, which led to legal reforms against assaulting women in public transport. The organization also runs programs to attract, retain, and advance women professionals in the industry, providing training in areas like driving and financial management.
As more women enter the transportation industry, positive changes are observed. Women’s presence in leadership roles improves the comfort and safety of vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and schoolchildren.
Looking ahead, Flone Initiative aims to build an inclusive movement for mobility in Kenya by involving practitioners, commuters, and government officials. Through capacity building, behavior change initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, the organization strives to create safer, more accessible public transport for all Kenyans.
Naomi envisions a future where public transport is safe, accessible, and a great workplace for women in Kenya. Her dedication and advocacy continue to drive positive change in the country’s transportation sector.