Empowering Refugee Women Through Driving Education: Bridging Cultural Differences for Self-Sufficiency
Introduction:
In a deserted parking lot outside Atlanta, Nancy Gobran, owner of Safety Driving School, patiently guides a 30-year-old Syrian refugee woman through her first driving lesson. Gobran is part of Women Behind the Wheel, a program that offers free drivers’ education to refugee and immigrant women. This initiative aims to empower these women, many of whom come from countries where driving and working outside the home are discouraged.
Addressing Cultural Differences:
Unique to Georgia, Women Behind the Wheel fills a significant need among refugee families, bridging cultural differences that hinder their autonomy. Ethaar, the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization through which students sign up for the program, recognizes the importance of empowering female clients. Founder Mona Megahed highlights that many husbands hold beliefs from their home countries that prevent their wives from driving or working. However, Ethaar argues that in order for families to provide for themselves, women must learn to drive and find employment.
Overcoming Transportation Challenges:
The stress faced by refugee families in metro Atlanta is compounded by the heavy reliance on cars for transportation. Ethaar’s executive director, Sarah Karim, explains how lack of access to transportation hinders refugees from reaching their jobs or studying beyond their immediate vicinity. This challenge becomes even more significant for the families settling in Clarkston, a suburb 15 miles northeast of Atlanta, where public transportation options are limited.
Shifting Global Landscape and Demand:
The demand for programs like Women Behind the Wheel is fueled by the ever-changing global landscape and conflicts. Ethaar has observed an influx of families and individuals from various nationalities, including Afghanistan, Burma, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Pakistan, Iraq, and Eritrea. As a result, the driving program consistently maintains a three-to-four-month waitlist.
Promoting Self-Sufficiency:
Refugee families in the United States receive up to 12 months of financial and medical assistance from the government, leaving limited time to become self-reliant. Dorian Crosby, an expert in refugee migration, emphasizes the importance of reaching self-sufficiency within this timeframe. Learning how to drive and obtaining a driver’s license are critical steps towards achieving this goal. Not only does it meet government regulations, but it also provides emotional empowerment and allows refugees to sustain themselves.
Instructors as Ambassadors:
Driving instructors like Nancy Gobran, who are fluent in Arabic, play a crucial role in making students feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey. Gobran witnesses her student’s growing confidence during her hour-long session, culminating in the successful passing of her driving test a month later. Gobran believes that learning to drive is the first step for refugees in understanding their new home and building a future in America.
Conclusion:
Women Behind the Wheel exemplifies the power of education and empowerment in bridging cultural differences. By offering free drivers’ education to refugee and immigrant women, this program provides a pathway to self-sufficiency and independence. The success of this initiative demonstrates the resilience and determination of refugee women as they navigate the challenges of their new lives.