Gendered Lives: Why Women Do Not Sit with Their Legs astride on ‘Bodaboda’ in Mbale, Uganda.

Emmanuel Abiodun Fayankinnu, Adekunle Ajasin University

This paper examines why women sit sideways (side saddle) with their legs together on ‘bodaboda’ in contrast to men who sit with their legs astride, and the consequences on women. The study design is qualitative, and used in-depth interviews to collect data from twenty-seven women and fifteen men who were purposively picked. Interviews conducted were sorted, transcribed and coded in a manner that allowed thematic presentation. Findings showed that participants know the risk associated with side-saddling and women’s safety. Yet, women side-saddle because of cultural norms, religious beliefs, stigmatization, lack of legislation, pressure from male ‘bodaboda’ riders compelling women to side-saddle for fear of women becoming ‘bodaboda’ riders. The study concluded that ‘bodaboda’ has created ‘gendered lives’ resulting in women being trapped in between upholding cultural ethos and facing the dynamics of social change occasioned by modernity. Enlightenment through advocacy programmes, promulgation of legislation and its enforcement are suggested.