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Zagreb tram driver Božica shares 40 years of experience as female drivers become more common
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Zagreb tram driver Božica shares 40 years of experience as female drivers become more common

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Božica Štefović, a tram driver in Zagreb for nearly 40 years, shares her experiences and the evolution of her profession.
  • She began as a conductor in 1986 and became a tram driver after turning 21, overcoming initial challenges and societal perceptions.
  • The number of female tram drivers has significantly increased, now constituting 35% of the tram workforce, with a notable rise in interest since 2008.

Božica Štefović has been a fixture in Zagreb's public transport system for nearly four decades, driving trams with dedication since 1986. She began her career at ZET (Zagreb Electric Tramways) as a conductor at the young age of 19. It wasn't until she turned 21 that she could obtain her tram driver's license, a process she undertook while pregnant, humorously recalling how she concealed her condition to complete the training.

"There were maybe ten percent of us women. People found it unusual, but they got used to it over time. Today, no one is surprised by female tram drivers," Božica reflects. She notes that while female tram drivers are now commonplace, female bus drivers still face more surprise, with only one woman in that role until five years ago.

There were maybe ten percent of us women. People found it unusual, but they got used to it over time. Today, no one is surprised by female tram drivers.

— Božica ŠtefovićReflecting on the changing perception of women in her profession.

ZET has observed a growing interest among women in driving roles since 2008. While the company has not conducted specific recruitment campaigns targeting women, they note that female candidates are often inspired by other women already working as drivers. The number of female tram and bus drivers has risen from 175 fifteen years ago to 255 today, representing 35% of the tram driver workforce and about 3% of bus drivers.

Božica has witnessed significant technological and operational changes during her tenure. Early trams, like the "bikovi" and "stojadini," were much harder to operate, lacking modern amenities such as air conditioning and cameras. She recalls challenging conditions with extreme temperatures and longer braking distances, especially when pulling trailers. Despite the evolution of the job, Božica states she has never felt discriminated against or underestimated because she is a woman, challenging common stereotypes about female drivers.

I won't be the godfather, sit down, drive, and get out of the tram so I don't see you.

— Tram driving instructorHer instructor's reaction upon realizing she was heavily pregnant during her driving test.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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