Among the most bullied and underappreciated workers in society are women who sell food as mobile hawkers. These women often young girls, single mothers, and struggling wives face daily humiliation and mistreatment from their employers, customers, and even bystanders who see them carrying food to various locations.
Despite their hard work, they earn meager wages, with most receiving only UGX 500 per plate sold. On average, their daily pay ranges between UGX 4,000 and UGX 5,000, an amount barely enough to sustain them and their families. Yet, their struggles go unnoticed.
These women endure abuse from multiple fronts. Customers insult them for delayed deliveries, employers scold them for taking too long, and passersby mock them, often referring to them as “food drivers.”
Sadly, most of these women are single mothers who took up this job just to provide for their children. However, the frustrations they collect from work often spill over into their homes, sometimes leading to domestic violence against their children.
Because of their low wages, many cannot afford public transportation and are forced to walk to and from work every day, further exhausting them.
Their financial vulnerability also makes them targets for men who pretend to offer love and support but later exploit them.
Even those who have husbands at home are not spared from suffering. Many report high levels of domestic violence, as their partners physically abuse them, adding to their emotional and mental struggles.
As we celebrate Women’s Day, it is important to honor these women whose mental health is rarely considered. Their bravery, resilience, and perseverance are unmatched.
Society must begin to recognize their struggles, respect their dignity, and advocate for better pay and working conditions for these invisible yet hardworking women.
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