Basra’s female driving instructor leads the way for women in Al-Zubair

BASRA – Wafaa Shahin, a driving instructor in the Al-Zubair district of southern Basra, has trained 300 women over the past five years, reflecting a growing trend of women learning to drive in the traditionally tribal city. Shahin, who learned to drive from her husband, gradually transitioned into a driving instructor. She began her journey with a single car and now manages a female-led team with three vehicles.

Wafaa operates her business, Al-Wafaa Driving Center, primarily through social media, particularly Instagram, where she receives training requests. “My husband taught me how to drive and was my first supporter until I became a professional driver and later a driving instructor,” she told 964media.

The center caters specifically to women, as many prefer female instructors due to cultural sensitivities. Shahin explained, “I know that most women avoid going with a male driving instructor either out of shyness or because their families do not allow it.” Her initiative provides an opportunity for women in Al-Zubair to learn how to drive in a comfortable environment.

Shahin’s mobile driving center does not have a physical office; instead, her team visits clients at their homes for training sessions.

“I do not have a permanent office; communication with me is done through my Instagram page. I send one of the instructors to the customer’s home, and she handles the training and returns her to her home,” she added.

The courses offered range from 10 to 15 days, with prices between 150,000 and 400,000 Iraqi dinars ($99 to $263). The cost includes assistance in obtaining a driving license. Shahin noted that some women are quick learners and gain confidence within 5 to 7 days, while others require more time due to hesitation or nervousness.

Over the years, she has observed a steady increase in the number of women seeking driving lessons, indicating a shift in societal attitudes toward women’s mobility in Al-Zubair.

Women-led driving initiatives have seen a notable rise across Iraq. In Samarra, Salah Al-Din, 23-year-old Dalia Sami has trained over 500 women at the “Lady of the Future” driving center and helped another 250 women outside the city gain driving skills.

In Mosul, Ibtisam Al-Tai has spent the past nine years empowering women through driving instruction at her academy, “Queen,” located in the Al-Noor neighborhood. The center offers both practical and theoretical driving lessons, cultivating a new generation of female driving instructors.