More freedom for women: Loubna helps women get on the road

Loubna is from Syria and has been living in the Netherlands since 2014. In Syria, she did not have a driver's licence. "I never dreamed I would drive next to trucks," she says with a smile. "As a passenger, I always found it scary to drive past such a huge thing."

But in the Netherlands, she overcame her fear of driving and got her driver's licence. This changed her life. "I could take my children to school or sports classes and go to my parents by car. Even simple things like shopping became much easier." And now Loubna also has her own business helping other women with their driver's licences.

"When I was learning the theory, there were few schools or social media channels that could help you get your driver's licence in another language," Loubna says. "I saw that I could help others with this."

So she started her theory school called 'Veilig Onderweg' (safe on the road) in 2021. There she gives online theory lessons on traffic rules in Arabic. In the beginning, the lessons were for both men and women. "But I noticed that women often feel more comfortable in groups with other women."

According to Loubna, women were sometimes afraid to ask silly questions. "I provide a safe and supportive environment where women feel comfortable to learn and grow." She also shares her experiences with other driving schools and organisations to help more women get on the road.

The lessons are designed for women new to the Netherlands of all ages: "Most students are young. They go to school, have jobs and are very busy. That is why I always give my lessons in the evening." But women between 45 and 50 also enroll. "They are often afraid that it is too late to learn. I motivate them and give them hope."

Loubna uses convenient ways to learn the theory. "For example, I always carry a € 100 note with me. I show this green note to the students, that way they remember that a green line on the road means you can drive 100."

Although she teaches the lessons in Arabic, Loubna recommends that her students take the exam in Dutch. "I always name the terms in Dutch as well." She continues: "You can take your theory exam in Arabic, but because of the cost of an interpreter, that is about 6 times more expensive than an exam in Dutch. That means you can take the Dutch exam as many as 6 times, for the price of 1 foreign-language exam."

'Veilig Onderweg' has become a community where women inspire and help each other, according to Loubna. "Moreover, the lessons are often very enjoyable. It is about so much more than just car theory. I also help women increase their confidence."

In the future, Loubna hopes to share her knowledge and experience in Dutch as well. "Then I can help all women in the Netherlands."