Cape Town – With abuse and acts of violence against women exacerbated during lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic, Cape Flats activist Joanie Fredericks was spurred into action and started an all-women taxi service that prioritises the safety of women.

The 100% women-owned transport initiative, Ladies Own Transport Services (LOTS) was launched in 2021, with a promise to offer safe and affordable transportation as well as a driving school service for women.

“I’ve heard too many stories of women being raped in taxis. I always knew I wanted to do something about it. I then heard someone I know personally had been raped and I thought I can’t wait a minute longer,” Fredericks said.

The initiative provides affordable access to tools, knowledge, and know-how for township women to become safe, courteous and professional drivers and escape poverty by gaining access to employment in the transport and deliveries industries.

Having survived physical, sexual and psychological violence throughout her childhood, Fredericks said she knows the challenges faced by women first hand.

“Safe and affordable transportation for women and girls has always been a huge concern for me. As a gender activist and fighter for women’s human rights, I have over the years heard of the most horrible experiences of women being raped in taxis. In many cases I supported victims to get justice through the court systems and I get regular calls from women looking for help after the fact. The biggest challenge is that every female who gets in a taxi knows that she is putting herself at risk but she does so nevertheless because she does not have a choice,” she said.

“The terrible economic situation means that those who have jobs have no choice but to get on unsafe modes of public transportation in order to keep their jobs. We thought we should provide an alternative … where women feel safe from being unnecessarily exposed.”

The driving school aims to empower women to be less reliant on others to drive them around.

“Many times women carry the burden of paying the car and the bond and it just doesn’t make sense that they themselves cannot drive,” Fredericks said.

Instructor Eileen Conrad who started giving lessons at the driving school last year said she was grateful that she can empower other women to drive.

“I have been working for SAPS for 16 years. I took a break and I was just sitting at home for two years.

My friends advised me to apply at the driving school. I did and I was so nervous at first.

“When my first learner driver passed I became passionate and encouraged. I love that we can teach and empower young women to get their driving licences,” said Conrad.

Manenberg activist Roegshanda Pascoe said the more women are empowered the better societies will be.

“I support the initiative that Joanie has taken because women are empowered once they are able to drive their own cars.

“A lot of women buy cars and they are not able to drive it because the husband, at times, would say let me be the one who drives. Then when a divorce transpires the woman … is stranded, and she cannot drive. I support LOTS, especially with public transport where we see a lot of women in danger,” she said.

Ward councillor Washiela Harris said Fredericks gave back to the community in any way she could.

“She is the activist on the ground and does amazing work each and every day.

“I am privileged and honoured to work alongside her, whether it is us marching to the police station to get rid of a perpetrator, or marching alongside her for the Pride Walk,” said Harris.