WORKING IN A MALE-DOMINATED PROFESSION: DOCUMENTED STORY FROM A FEMALE COMMERCIAL TRICYCLE DRIVER IN AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE.

ABSTRACT This research focuses on the experiences of a female commercial tricycle driver in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, as a case study of women working in traditionally male-dominated professions in Nigeria. The study seeks to document her story in order to understand the dynamics of gender, occupation, and socio-cultural perceptions within the informal transport sector. In most parts of Nigeria, the transportation business, particularly commercial driving of tricycles, motorcycles, and taxis, is strongly associated with masculinity, and women who venture into such spaces often encounter multiple layers of resistance. By documenting the lived experiences of this female tricycle driver, the study aims to uncover the motivations that led her into this line of work, the social and economic challenges she faces daily, the coping strategies she employs, and the broader implications of her story for discourses on gender equality and empowerment. The methodology of this work is qualitative and narrative in nature, relying on interviews, direct observation, and contextual analysis to provide a comprehensive account of her personal and professional journey. The findings suggest that her entry into the profession was driven largely by economic necessity and the desire for financial independence. However, her experience is characterized by a number of barriers, including verbal harassment from male colleagues, skepticism and mistrust from passengers, societal stigma, and the physical demands of the occupation. Despite these challenges, the study documents how she has developed resilience, relying on determination, faith, and social networks to navigate her professional space. Beyond the individual story, this study underscores the larger socio-cultural attitudes toward women in non-traditional roles. It reveals the tension between entrenched patriarchal structures that attempt to confine women to particular occupational spheres and the emerging realities of women who challenge these boundaries in pursuit of survival, dignity, and empowerment. By situating this narrative within the context of gender and development studies, the research contributes to ongoing conversations about women’s participation in the informal economy, the necessity of inclusive policies in the transportation sector, and the redefinition of work in a changing Nigerian society. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that while the female commercial tricycle driver’s experience may seem isolated, it reflects a broader struggle of women across Nigeria and Africa who are negotiating spaces of power, work, and survival in male-dominated industries. Her resilience and agency highlight not only the personal courage required to break gender stereotypes but also the urgent need for structural and institutional support to make such professions more inclusive. This research therefore contributes both academically and practically to gender discourse by amplifying a marginalized voice and advocating for a society that values the contributions of women, irrespective of the profession they choose to pursue.