Motorbikes give Zimbabwe women a path out of poverty

In the rural Zimbabwe district of Wedza, a new electric-powered motorcycle is helping bring income to poor women and easing the burden of looking after families.

The three-wheeler, known as Hamba (Go), powered by a solar-charged lithium ion battery, is being piloted by start-up Mobility for Africa.

Riding towards prosperity Location: Wedza Women in rural Zimbabwe are using solar-powered motorcycles to generate extra income and offer transport services to villagers (SOUNDBITE) (Shona) VILLAGE HEALTHCARE WORKER, PAMHIDZI MUTUNYA, SAYING: "This 'Hamba' motorcycle has made it easier for me to ferry patients to and from the hospital, we now have fewer cases of pregnant women giving birth at home due to lack of transport to the clinic as was the case before." Start-up company Mobility for Africa leases motorcycles to women charging $15 a month per bike for up to five women to share (SOUNDBITE) (English) HAMBA PILOT COORDINATOR, FADZAI MAVHUNA, SAYING:"Women in the rural areas carry the burden of carrying firewood, going to fetch water to drink, carrying kids to school, so as Mobility for Africa we saw that we need to lessen the burden on women, so we needed to test with the women so that we can see if they can be able to do some productive work by saving time and their income."