It is International Women’s Day 2025. In honor of the fascinating and remarkably admirable business that she has built, I would like to recognize Somontha Va. She lives and works in Siem Reap Cambodia where she is one of only a few women tuktuk drivers. The tuktuk is my favorite form of transportation in Cambodia. It is an open-air vehicle that kind of reminds you of a tricked out and much faster golf cart. In the crazy traffic, it is maneuverable and gets you through the narrow streets and countryside roads. You call then like you would call a taxi. I never saw another woman driver other than Somontha who I was thrilled to hire as my driver for my days in beautiful Siem Reap.
Somontha started out working on a food cart. But as her children needed more attention, the hours were simply not practical and the money was not good. Her children were excelling in school, and she wanted them to ultimately have the opportunity she never did of higher education. She is smart and strategic. And she is brave. She decided to start her own business. Not only to start her own business, but to enter an industry dominated by men: tuk tuk driver.
Let me tell you why people want to hire Somontha as their driver. First, her tuk tuk is immaculate, comfortable, and thoughtfully decorated. She greets you with a bottle of water. When you return to her tuk tuk after your sightseeing, she gives you an ice-cold cloth, very welcome in the sweltering Cambodian heat. And she has a snack of fresh fruit and nuts on the seat. She will give you some little-known facts and cultural commentary as she takes you to your destination. She is always smiling but also always focused on making sure you have the experience that will make you fall in love with Siem Reap.
Somontha is such an astute business woman that her business grew beyond what she could handle herself. She bought another tuk tuk and then another! Her husband quit his job and now works for her.
If you ever travel to Siem Reap Cambodia, you will thank yourself for hiring Somontha as your tuk tuk driver. She is on WhatsApp.
Brava Somontha! Happy International Women’s Day 2025!
#InternationalWomensDay2025 #BackToWork
