In a world where many professional sectors remain male-dominated, the rise of women determined to succeed in roles traditionally reserved for men is nothing short of impressive. Over the years, women have devised ways to establish themselves in fields such as construction, mechanics, electrical engineering, and transport.

​One of such emblematic figure is Olive Mendzang, a 40-year-old mother of three who is rewriting the rules of the road. As the only female driver among approximately thirty drivers at Plan International Cameroon, Olive is a true trailblazer. In an exclusive interview, this “superwoman” explained how her dream of becoming a professional driver became a reality. Her journey began in 2022 when she sat for a recruitment test launched by the NGO—an advertisement that explicitly encouraged female applicants. She passed, securing her “flight ticket” into the professional world she had always envisioned.

​Despite being a trained Medico-Psychological Assistant, her passion for driving grew daily. For Olive, being a professional driver is about much more than just steering a vehicle; it is a technical craft that requires constant evolution. She obtained Category B, C, and D licenses specifically to serve in the humanitarian sector. this dedication led her to Plan International, where she recently earned a prestigious honorary distinction in the 2023 Global Fleet Report from the organization’s headquarters in London.

​Her expertise extends into specialized fields, including first aid, security protocols (BSAFE), and advanced fleet maintenance. “It’s not just about knowing how to drive,” she explains. “It’s about being able to intervene effectively with first aid during a road accident or managing complex tire logistics to ensure the safety of every mission.”

​Her daily life at the workplace is both interesting and inspiring. From administrative duties and vehicle maintenance to supervising field missions, she navigates her responsibilities efficiently. She credits her success to a dynamic team and administration that provides the support needed to achieve excellence.

​However, her presence behind the wheel often surprises the public. “Some think that when a 4×4 or a Land Cruiser arrives, it must be one of the senior directors of Plan International. Others, who realize I am actually a female driver, look at me with total respect and offer encouragement,” she says. “Beyond this role, I remain a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend, and a sister, with a woman’s sensibilities.”

​Outside of her professional life, Olive is a devoted wife and mother. She balances both worlds effectively through a strategy built on mutual respect and clear communication. She credits much of her success to a supportive partner who values her professional ambition, creating a healthy environment where she can thrive. Her children are also a major driving force; rather than seeing her absence as a burden, they view her missions as a source of inspiration. “Sometimes they ask if they can work at Plan International when they grow up,” Olive shares with a smile. “It proves that I am changing their perception of what a ‘woman’s job’ truly is.”

​During a recent mission to Bertoua in the East Region of Cameroon, Olive shared her guiding principles for professional excellence with a female journalist: no drinking, no smoking, and, above all, ensuring enough rest.

​Looking ahead to the next five to ten years, Olive has no intention of slowing down. Her eyes are set on the horizon of logistics management, where she hopes to one day serve as a Logistics Coordinator, overseeing the very fleet she currently helps maintain. Her journey serves as a living embodiment of the 2026 International Women’s Day theme: “Rights, Justice, Action.” By occupying space in a non-conventional field, she is turning the concept of gender equality into practical action, proving that with self-confidence and a license to dream, there are no limits to what a woman can achieve.

​As a testament to the power of daring women, Olive encourages all girls aspiring to be engineers, entrepreneurs, pilots, or soldiers to remain self-confident. She stands by the belief that once a woman is willing to do something, she will surely succeed, echoing the popular sentiment: “What a man can do, a woman can do—perhaps even better.”