Interview with Alina Shadura: "I made it. I drive a huge bus"

Photo: courtesy of Alina Shadura

Alina Shadura, 44, is from Kharkiv. She is a lawyer who has spent many years working at a charitable foundation, providing psychosocial support to women who have experienced gender-based violence. Following the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Alina and her family relocated to Cherkasy, where they lived for three years. Alina is one of the 100 participants in the She Drives project aimed at training and employing female bus drivers. 

What was the primary motivation for joining the She Drives project? 

I came across an advertisement for women interested in retraining as bus drivers, and I was intrigued. I have been driving a car (category "B") for 4.5 years now, and I enjoy it. Although I used to be afraid to get behind the wheel, I have realized that driving brings me joy.

When I saw the advertisement, I decided I wanted to give it a try. I was motivated by the opportunity to help people during the current war, which has led to a shortage of men and a high demand for specialists in the transport sector. Additionally, this presents a personal challenge for me as I aim to overcome my fear of large vehicles. I see this as a valuable prospect for my future career, as I want to engage in work that is beneficial to society, provides an income, and allows me to travel. 

Did you have any doubts before taking this step? What were they? How did you overcome them? 

My initial fear was the size of the bus; it felt new and overwhelming to me. However, having been a professional athlete in skiing and biathlon, I learned that when faced with fear, the best approach is to move forward.

There was not much support from my family at first because I did not share my plans with anyone. When I finally did reveal what I wanted to do, I heard comments like, "Mom is crazy, why do you need this?" However, I was determined to give it a try. Revisiting the driving theory was interesting for me since I had not paid much attention to it when I was studying for my category "B" license. I am very grateful for the opportunity to take this course and refresh my knowledge. 

What stage of your studies are you at now? 

I had already completed two practical lessons. The first one took place in a closed area of the bus park and lasted 40 minutes. To my surprise, the instructor asked me to get behind the wheel and drive right away, as I had expected more time before doing so. The bus had an automatic transmission, and I had never driven one before.

During the second lesson that same day, the instructor announced that we would be driving to the city. This was unexpected for me. I felt apprehensive about driving my car in Kyiv since I was not familiar with the roads, and now I had to drive a bus! However, the instructor encouraged me, and we set off. 

As we drove through the streets, we noticed people taking pictures because it is not every day that they see a woman driving a large bus. The emotions I felt were overwhelming. I liked it, so I am looking forward to the next classes. There are about two more weeks of practice planned. I’ll come to Kyiv to study continuously.

Have you considered where you will seek employment once the project is finished? 

Many companies offer job opportunities, but it is important to consider the working conditions, schedule, and salary. Currently, I am exploring the option of becoming an independent entrepreneur. However, before that, I would like to secure a job in a company where I can learn from experienced drivers.

My father is a professional driver, so I understand that labor standards are often violated in the transportation sector. I would like to find a workplace where this is not the case, and where the job is comfortable and well-paid.

What do you consider the most challenging aspect of this job? What inspires you the most? 

The most challenging aspect for me is the technical details. If the bus breaks down, I will not immediately understand what is wrong with it. However, this is something you can learn to do.

What inspires me the most is the opportunity to work on international routes. I want to help passengers travel to Europe and reconnect with their families, even if it means covering hundreds of kilometers. For me, it would be both a rewarding job and an exciting adventure.

Stereotypes do not intimidate me. I know how to respond to them–just smile. We are here to challenge stereotypes.

What advice would you give to women who are unsure about trying a new profession? 

Do not be afraid to try something new. If you have the desire and motivation, you can succeed. I once heard a phrase that still inspires me: "Aim for the moon; even if you miss, you will land among the stars." So, keep moving forward and believe in yourself.

The project "Expanding the professional potential of women in the field of passenger transportation" is being implemented by the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development on the initiative of the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, in partnership with UN Women and under the financial support of Sweden.