Thembeka Fortunate Matiwane, Lindiwe Nqobile Kunene, Ayansola Olantuni. Ayandibu
Abstract
Gender stereotypes have historically directed women toward careers such as teaching, nursing, and home economics. These choices stem from socially accepted roles portraying women as homemakers, caring, fragile, and emotional. However, the male-dominated business world has seen increased female participation. Notably, the South African minibus taxi industry, the country’s largest transport mode, is gradually accepting women. This shift, however, comes with challenges that reveal structural inequalities that shape opportunities and constraints for women operators. This paper examines women’s experiences in South Africa’s minibus taxi industry within eThekwini through a gendered conceptual frame comprised of: women’s challenges in the taxi industry, conformity to gender roles, gender stereotypical expectations, and heteropatriarchy. Using qualitative evidence, the study shows how historical exclusion, prescriptive roles, stereotypes about women’s competence, and patriarchal authority that shape daily realities for women taxi owners. Findings revealed that 50% of the women had inherited businesses from deceased husbands or a male relative. They reported being on the receiving end of disrespect from male counterparts, exclusion from decision-making bodies, limited consultation, and inadequate industry knowledge hinder their growth. Participant voices illustrate barriers they experience, the paper thus proposes practice-oriented recommendations for more gender-responsive association governance, finance access and safety.