Images via Cairo 360 & website
Egyptian women have always had a way of proving their place in any field they set their minds to. From corporate offices to sports arenas and now into the driver’s seat of a metro train, they continue to break barriers. In a job that many still think “isn’t for women,” Hend and Suzan are rewriting the rules under the streets of Cairo.
Empowerment on the Green Line
Since April 2022, Hend and Suzan have been driving along Cairo’s third metro line, known as the green line, taking on a role that was previously closed off to women. Their achievement marked the first time in the capital’s history that female drivers officially operated metro trains, and they have been leading the way ever since.
It all started when the operating company posted a vacancy for train drivers on its official website. Hend and Suzan applied, fully aware that the path ahead would not be easy. They enrolled in a challenging four-month training programme that included intensive driving lessons, safety drills, and final examinations. Both passed the assessments successfully, earning permanent contracts along with medical and social insurance benefits.
Life Behind the Controls
Working six days a week for eight hours a day, Hend and Suzan are responsible for more than just sitting in the driver’s seat. While most of the metro’s operation is automated, their presence is still vital. They monitor every trip, operate the doors, step in during emergencies, and manually control the train whenever needed. This attention to detail ensures the safety of thousands of passengers every day.
Stories Beyond the Uniform
Hend is married and a mother of two children, Hamza and Jana. She receives constant support from her husband, which helps her balance work and home life. Jana, who was only seven when her mother began her job, has grown up proud of the example Hend is setting of hard work and responsibility.
Suzan, a literature graduate, saw this opportunity as both a personal challenge and a career adventure. She entered the role with enthusiasm and no hesitation to try something completely new.
Facing the Comments
Not everyone welcomed the idea at first. Both women have heard remarks like “You belong in the kitchen” or “This job is too tough for women.” However, they have also received overwhelming encouragement from passengers, especially younger commuters who see them as role models. It is the positive energy that fuels their commitment and determination to show up every day.
Changing Society’s Views on Women
Hend and Suzan’s success is helping change how society views women in technical and traditionally male-dominated jobs. Their work proves that skill, training, and professionalism have nothing to do with gender. Every time they complete a safe and successful trip, they send a message to young girls across Egypt: your career options are not defined by old traditions or stereotypes. The more visible women become in these spaces, the less unusual it will seem for future generations.
More than two years into their journey, their story has become more than just a personal victory. It is a chapter in the larger movement for gender equality in the workplace. Hend and Suzan have shown that women can excel in any role they choose, whether it is in the spotlight or far below the busy streets of Cairo.
