Age and being a woman in a male dominated field does not discourage Tilu Neeleshni Naicker’s presence at the Nadi Town taxi base among male drivers.

The 49-year-old, who lives and supports her family turned to drive a taxi after she lost her job during the pandemic.

The former site manager, at a Hong Kong Fiji- based company, said she was blessed to have a secured employment, which she made the most use of during when the pandemic hit.

“Times are difficult and at least I have a second trade to accommodate for my needs during and post pandemic.”

She said the COVID-19 crisis had taught many people not to rely on one source of income.

“We have to be multi-skilled,” she said.

Ms Naicker shared the challenges of being a woman in a man-dominated industry.

“It is a bit challenging because I am the only woman driving from this taxi base among men. You know, sometimes people tend to hire taxis driven by men for their safety,” she said.

“I doubted that belief because many male taxi drivers have been attacked by their passengers so we cannot differentiate men or women on this job.”

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj