Nuriya Kenjebaeva, who has been driving a trolleybus in Osh for 10 years, admitted that her choice of profession was unexpected.
“I graduated from the 10th grade in 1990 and enrolled in a secretary-machine operator specialty. One day, on my way to class, I saw a woman driving a trolleybus. This sparked my interest. After my studies, I worked in the textile industry for about 15 years, and after the company closed, I was offered a job as a trolleybus conductor,” she shares.
After nearly a decade of experience as a conductor, Nuriya learned about courses for trolleybus drivers and decided to go to Bishkek to gain the necessary knowledge.
“Since 2015, I have been behind the wheel of a trolleybus. The first days were not easy: when the poles or shoes broke down, I tried to fix them myself. Later, I realized that this was a task for mechanics,” she recounts.
Nuriya also noted the passengers' reactions to her work:
“Some passengers are surprised and ask, ‘Are you driving?’ At first, there were opinions that a woman shouldn't be behind the wheel. Nevertheless, I insisted on my choice and got the job. Over time, everyone got used to it,” she added.
Barchynai Tuybaeva, who works as a bus driver, previously worked as a taxi driver in Russia.
“When I was in Russia, I was always amazed at how women drive buses. Upon returning to Kyrgyzstan, I decided that I also wanted to drive a bus. I obtained my driver's license and started working,” she said.
Barchynai noted that driving a bus is not that difficult, but the work schedule is quite intense.
“We start work at 5:00 AM, undergo a medical examination and inspection by mechanics. At 6:00, we go out on the line. In the evening, we park the bus in the garage, wash it, and submit reports, returning home around 10:00–11:00 PM. Because of this, it’s hard to get enough sleep. But I enjoy it, so the work doesn’t seem hard,” she shared.
Barchynai plans to drive heavy trucks in the future.
“I want to drive a truck. I studied for this category, but I lack practical experience. I hope to work in Europe,” she says.
Additionally, she talked about her family:
“I have two daughters. The younger one is in the 11th grade and will soon graduate; she often asks what profession to choose. I jokingly tell her to study to be a pilot, as that is my dream. The older daughter drives ‘Porter’ vehicles and cars with a manual transmission very well,” Barchynai added.
