CAIRO: With busy riders forced to negotiate traffic-choked streets in all weathers day and night — and arrive with a smile on their face — it is no surprise that food delivery in Egypt has been a male domain.
But now one fearless woman is winning widespread admiration after breaking with tradition and taking on the challenges of the job.
Heba Ashraf from the city of Minya, about 245 km south of Cairo, said that “love for my family and a desire to help them” led to her decision to become a food delivery woman.
Ashraf learned to ride a motorcycle in just three days before starting the job and stepping into a role that traditionally was exclusive to men.
When this reporter contacted her by phone, she graciously asked for 15 minutes to finish delivering a customer order before speaking.
“I apologize for the delay. I spend long hours fearlessly navigating through various streets among dozens of men,” she later told Arab News.
“My strong love for my family and the desire to help them with life’s burdens motivated me to take up this challenging profession.”
Ashraf said that her brother-in-law, who is a delivery boy, encouraged her to join the business, despite the societal norms and traditions in Upper Egypt.
“With his support, I started working with him, learning to ride a motorcycle — a surprise for both my family and friends.”
She added: “A woman’s work is not a matter of shame, especially when it is done to support my sick husband and raise my dead sister’s son.
“To start this venture, I took a loan to buy a motorcycle, and my brother-in-law taught me to ride it in just three days. People in the community welcomed me warmly.”
Ashraf delivers food orders to customers in different places with the help of her nephew.
“I have a message to share with the community: Working for women is not something to be ashamed of. It is far better to earn our living and meet our daily expenses independently than to rely on others for help.”
She said her success has encouraged other women to pursue their ambitions.
Ashraf is also raising her sister’s son and educating him to excel in life.
She said her dream is to see him as “an achiever of great things,” making all her efforts over the years worthwhile.
