Accra: Car tyre safety is one of the critical aspects of vehicle maintenance and road safety for all road users, both drivers and pedestrians alike. However, the knowledge in tyre changing and maintenance has traditionally been seen as an area reserved for men. Often, women find themselves stranded with a flat tyre, relying on mechanics or passerby help for what car experts describe as a simple task.
According to Ghana News Agency, Vulco Rana Motors, in collaboration with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, organized a hands-on training session aimed at empowering women in tyre fixing and maintenance. Women lecturers, allied staff, and female students participated in the workshop, learning essential skills such as jacking a car, changing tyres, checking tyre pressure and treads, handling tools, and general driving safety precautions.
Dr. Sarah Majie, Women’s Executive of UTAG-UG, highlighted the importance of this training in empowering women, particularly faculty members, in handling tyre-related emergencies. She emphasized that women often handle responsibilities like driving children to school and managing family errands, making it crucial for them to be prepared for tyre emergencies. Dr. Majie shared a personal experience where she spent over two hours waiting for a mechanic to fix a flat tyre, emphasizing the need for such knowledge.
Dr. Mona Sunish, a participant from the Department of Plant and Environmental Biology at UG, described the training as a valuable experience enabling her to address tyre issues independently. She encouraged more women to acquire these skills.
Mr. Manish Puri, West Africa Regional Manager of Vulco-Rana Motors, stated that the initiative is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility to ensure the safety of all motorists. By equipping women with tyre maintenance skills, they aim to enhance their confidence, independence, and economic activities. Puri stressed the critical role of tyres in vehicle functioning and urged all drivers to be knowledgeable about basic tyre maintenance and emergency response.
As part of the project, women from various institutions have been trained and appointed as safety ambassadors to further propagate tyre management knowledge among women. Vulco-Rana Motors is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, collaborating with Access Bank on a project to recycle old tyres into sandals, distributing over 20,000 pairs to schools.
Mr. Shakti Shukla, National Retail Manager at Vulco-Rana Motors, reinforced the focus on providing women with the technical know-how to address tyre emergencies. He emphasized the importance of regular tyre maintenance and advised motorists to seek expert guidance for tyre repairs.
This initiative represents a significant step towards empowering women in vehicle safety and maintenance, reducing their dependence on others, and boosting their confidence on the road.