Published on 6/29/2026
Jumana Al-Saghir is a Lebanese woman who decided to end the fears of women and girls when they travel by taxi and public transportation. She launched a special project for transportation services for women and girls only, in an initiative that received wide interaction and a warm welcome from various segments of society.
Jumana tells Al Jazeera that the idea began to entertain her about a year ago, when she noticed the phenomenon of many girls and women preferring to walk long distances in the sun or rain, instead of taking traditional taxis, due to concerns and fears related to safety and security.
Jumana Al-Saghir added: “At first I was confused about the project I wanted to launch, but in the end I settled on this idea because I saw in it a real and direct benefit to the community surrounding me, my family, and my friends.”
The beginning was not easy; As she told Al Jazeera, the first step required great boldness, and Jumana admits that she hesitated at first, but she made up her mind and decided to go through the experience with her own car and her simple capabilities, only to discover later that there were other women working in the same field in the city, but in the shadows and without advertising.
About six months after the launch of the initiative, Jumana reaped the fruits of her courage, an interaction that exceeded expectations, as the initiative received remarkable support from the city’s youth, who considered the project a civilized and necessary step.
It also gained cross-border trust after a number of Lebanese expatriates contacted it, expressing their desire to book its services to secure the transportation of their relatives and daughters upon their return to Lebanon.
Jumana also gained immunity against negativity, despite being exposed to some criticism and negative comments, but Jumana faced them with a smile and confidence, stressing that the amount of moral support was much stronger and too great for frustrated voices to influence.
As for Jumana’s biggest support, it was inside her home. She revealed that her two sons were the first people she consulted, and their warm encouragement was the fuel that pushed her to move forward, because they believed that their mother was creating a safer place for the women of the city.
The positive impact of the project was directly reflected on its beneficiaries, who expressed feelings of comfort and reassurance:
Zubaida said: “Riding with Jumana gives us indescribable psychological and moral comfort. This option is a million times better than waiting long on the roads or taking an unknown taxi. With her, we know in advance and with complete reassurance who we are riding with.”
Fatima Al-Asaad confirmed, saying: “The initiative is very wonderful and we have been waiting for it for a long time. It provides protection and peace of mind to mothers for their daughters and sons while on the move.”
Salwa Al-Ghosh said: “In light of the current circumstances, security concerns, and incidents of kidnapping and assault, this initiative has become an urgent societal need and not just a luxury. Jumana had the courage to break outdated customs and traditions that restrict women.”
Jumana’s ambitions do not stop at the borders of Tripoli; She confirms that her biggest dream is to generalize this initiative and gradually expand it to include various Lebanese regions, to meet the needs of thousands of women who have so far hesitated to use the “service” or regular means of transportation.
At the conclusion of her speech, Jumana sent an inspiring message to every Arab woman and girl, saying: “Be brave, go through your own experiences, and do not be afraid of failure… just starting to try is half the way to success.”
