By Millicent Mwita

Boda boda operators are a vital part of the transportation ecosystem since they provide affordable and efficient transport in rural and urban settings. This type of transportation offers employment opportunities to a large number of youths in the local economy. However, the boda operators have been unfairly labeled as perpetrators of crime, contributing to stigma that overshadows their contribution to society. The stigma on the boda boda operators is perpetuated by them being associated with criminal activities, and suspicion by the law enforcers damaging their public image. 

Society has labelled the operators as the main perpetrators in child marriages and teenage pregnancy forgetting that they only provide means of transport to the main perpetrators. This is because of the economic necessity and the daily earnings making it hard for them to conduct assessments of their passengers.

Addressing this stigma needs a multifaceted approach considering that boda boda operators are trusted figures in the community and have local extensive knowledge. Providing comprehensive training on SGBV, how to support the victims and the legal frameworks around SGBV will help them recognize signs associated with abuse and take the correct measures to help the survivor. Engaging the community in identifying guardian riders who can help a survivor throughout the process of seeking medication and the legal process while providing security and emotional support is also important.

Adopting a system alert for the boda boda operators to report suspicious activities in the community will help in preventing and responding to GBV. Creating awareness through community forums will also help change perceptions that act as a barrier to collaborating with the transformed boda boda operators in responding to GBV.

Involving the civil society organization in providing support and resources for the reformed operators will help influence other boda boda operators to create awareness and respond to GBV in their locality. Redefining the role of operators in GBV will empower them to become champions of change in creating safer communities. This will increase the rate of case reporting and the development of policies that prevent and respond to violence in society.