A female-only tricycle transport service known as “Mata Zalla,” a Hausa phrase meaning “women only,” has been launched in Kano, Nigeria, providing transportation driven by women and primarily serving female passengers.
The initiative, introduced in parts of the city, features tricycles operated by trained female riders and aims to offer safer, more comfortable mobility options for women while also expanding economic opportunities for them within the transport sector.
The programme comes in response to restrictions introduced by the Kano State Hisbah Board on mixed seating between men and women in public transport, a policy intended to align public services with cultural and religious norms in the state.
Under the new initiative, women are trained to operate tricycles and provide transport services to female passengers across designated routes. Organizers say the programme not only supports women’s mobility but also enables participants to earn a stable income and become financially independent.
Supporters of the initiative note that it addresses safety and cultural concerns in the largely conservative state, where some women prefer to travel with female drivers and fellow female passengers.
Beyond transportation, the project is also seen as a step toward increasing women’s participation in sectors traditionally dominated by men, particularly commercial transportation.
Dozens of female riders have already joined the programme, with additional training expected to bring more participants on board as the service expands.
The initiative is also designed to keep fares affordable in order to encourage more women to use the service for daily commuting, shopping, and other activities within the city.
Advocates say the “Mata Zalla” project demonstrates how transportation solutions can be adapted to local cultural contexts while promoting women’s economic empowerment and improving access to safe mobility.
As the programme grows, supporters hope it will not only improve transportation for women in Kano but also inspire similar initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women in other parts of the country.