Retail Group: Women on Wheels

Introduction

March is Women's Month, and we're proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible women of our motorbike delivery fleet. Breaking barriers and leading the way in a male-dominated field, their dedication and skill inspire us every day. Meet three out of the five female Riders in Retail Group, Charity Mosimanemotho, Lorato Boitshoko, and Winnie Lecha who inspire us in their field of work.

1. What inspired you to become a motorbike rider in a mainly male-dominated field?

Charity Mosimanemotho: The passion I have for riding motorbikes is the one that has inspired me to become a motorbike rider by profession.

Lorato Boitshoko: I grew up loving and watching motorcycle sports and also enjoying the Toyota 1000 desert race with my friend, which strongly inspired me to become a motorbike rider.

Winnie Lecha: I wanted to be living proof to young women so that they are motivated by seeing it is possible to work in a male-dominated field.

Above picture: Charity Mosimanemotho

2. What challenges have you faced as a female motorbike rider, and how have you overcome them?

Charity Mosimanemotho: Riding at night as a female can be scary looking at how the world can be dangerous and aggressive these days. To overcome this is to be brave, intelligently practical, and confident.

Lorato Boitshoko: Motorbikes are much smaller and less visible and do not have the same features as cars, such as airbags and seatbelts. To overcome this problem, I learned to keep calm, take my time, observe then proceed.

Winnie Lecha: The greatest challenge that I faced was the fear of failing, but I overcame that fear by refusing to give up working under pressure to meet the delivery standards, guided by management's motivation.

3. Can you share a memorable experience you have had while making deliveries?

Charity Mosimanemotho: The Most memorable experience I encountered was when we had a convoy road ride doing marketing around our delivery areas and kids were along the streets cheering us with love and happiness. That thing alone brings joy to you, seeing someone being happy for you.

Lorato Boitshoko: Most of our customers are happy to see a female rider because it is very uncommon to see a female rider.

Winnie Lecha: The happiest experience I encountered was when most of my customers were happy and wowed by receiving their orders from a female rider which gave me more motivation.

Above picture: Lorato Boitshoko

4. How do you balance speed and safety while navigating through busy streets?

Charity Mosimanemotho: Well, all you have to do is exercise patience and maintain a lower speed that allows you to navigate accurately again looking out for your safety on the streets. As a Rider, you have to analyze the traffic situation correctly before you act.

Lorato Boitshoko: Pay close attention to street signs indicating speed limits, lane changes, and turns.

Winnie Lecha: Motorbike riding has taught me to be vigilant of any danger while making any deliveries on busy streets. My speed is high on providing good service to customers but not on the road because safety comes first.

Above Picture: Winnie Lecha

5. What advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career as a motorbike rider?

Charity Mosimanemotho: My fellow women, life is a journey for all of us let us lift each other, stand together, and do what your heart desires fearlessly.

Lorato Boitshoko: I would like to encourage women who are interested in riding a motorbike, motorbikes are nice and good to work but it depends on how you treat your bike and how other road users treat you.

Winnie Lecha: I encourage women to become confident and fearless to pursue motorbike riding as a career with confidence because riding a motorbike is a unique art.

Captivated by these brave ladies' stories? Stay tuned with Retail Group on our social media platforms for more inspiration:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailgroupbw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rgbwcareers?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@retail_groupbw?_t=8bSblo5D3TC&_r=1