Women taxi drivers are trying to break the mould and make their presence felt in a domain long regarded as a male dominion, helped by a bid to integrate women in all sectors of the economy.

Noor Jordan for Transport-Taxi Moumayaz took the initiative of hiring women drivers for its hybrid taxi fleet, an experiment the company’s chairman says proved to be a success.

The fact is yet to be accepted by all, however, partly an issue of culture, partly one of misogynistic males jealously guarding their territory.

What is clear is that in this time and age, any contribution women can make to the household should be more than welcome. And being a taxi driver is as honest and hard a job as any.

The transport company deserves to be commended for breaking with outdated traditions about the role of women in the economy. Hopefully its step will be emulated by other places of work that should endeavour to integrate women in the labour market.

The principle of gender equality is a universally enshrined right. Women proved that they can be valuable assets in any economic field, on par with male counterparts, if not better.

In the case of women taxi drivers, a unique opportunity is offered to women passengers who are sometimes reluctant to ride cabs driven by men, so the initiative seems to be a winner.

There will be those who gripe about the skills of a woman driver or her strength — like in the ability to carry and stow luggage in the boot of the car — but like all pioneering initiatives, the difficult beginning will eventually become a thing of the past, one more subject of discussion and reminiscing.

In any case, the best way to determine whether the idea will have traction is to have it tested on the ground.

So far, having women work in the taxi business seems to be successful.

It is hoped that other domains will open up to women, reaffirming Jordan’s forward thinking when it comes to gender equality.

There is no shame in work. It is a shame to stretch the hand for alms when one is capable of working.

The courageous women who accepted to drive taxis need to be encouraged by all.