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| Bukurie Voka driving the bus, credit: Corriere Della Sera |
"What I do for myself is much more than just a job because every day I have the security to be useful to people," says Bukurie. Divorced and with a daughter, she arrived in Italy 13 years ago, stopping in Bologna before settling permanently in Merano about a decade ago.
Then, starting in August 2019, it was the turning point: she was hired by Sasa as a driver. "Before I took the buses, in fact, I worked in a fruit warehouse in Gargazzone." A human trajectory, that of the Beauty which overcomes dogmatic obstacles and archaic clichés.
As a Muslim, how do you feel about becoming a symbol of female emancipation and integration?
I am happy if people see me as a positive symbol. Especially if my story can give a lot to women who try to achieve their goals without being conditioned at all. Having said that, I have to say that during the many years I have lived here, I have never felt excluded or a victim of racism. In Sasa, then, I have a good relationship with everyone.
How did this choice to become a bus driver come about?
They were two crucial moments. The first one happened when I was working at Gargazzone. There, I often ended up late and if I could not catch the bus on time, it meant waiting an hour in the cold or in the dark. One day I was accidentally late, but the driver, seeing me running, was as good as he waited for me. A gesture that some may consider banal, but that I have never forgotten. The second reason is meeting my friend Maria, who was the driver. She kept telling me try… try… until I was really convinced to do it.
And how did your family in Albania receive this?
My parents were quite surprised because at first I did not show up. I restrained myself a bit not knowing how they would expect the news. Then, seeing myself enthusiastic about the job and confident about what I was doing, I decided to tell them about the new job. They understood and supported me, also because they felt happy and calm.
Have you ever heard any bad taste reaction from a colleague regarding the fact that you are a female driver and moreover with a headscarf?
No, on the contrary… a friendship has also been established with many of them. I would say they are happy to have me at work. Then, all women, regardless of their religious affiliation, have the right to do what they want to fulfill themselves. For example, I really admire the policewomen officers.
From travelers?
Not directly. Overall, travelers are very kind and respectful to me.
What is the atmosphere like in the company and what do you appreciate most about this multicultural environment?
There is great humanism. With us, it is not important where you come from but how you look and behave.
How do you think a woman with a headscarf would be seen driving a bus in Albania?