Although some miles away from Mozambique, Manisha Pratapsinh is weaving her way into the East African country’s history as a strong woman sparking change and development in the transportation industry.
Her story is full of challenges and successes because of her determination and passion, making her an ideal role model for women and aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Transitioning from One Male-Dominated Industry to Another
Manisha moved from Mozambique to Portugal and France before settling in Madrid, Spain. She created a name for herself as a specialist in civil construction machinery, a predominantly male industry for years. Yet her talents lie beyond what she can do within her work hours.
Those close to her know her innate empathetic abilities, which she channels sincerely within her community. Imagine, after experiencing difficulty transporting materials and equipment in Mozambique, she quickly saw how underserved the community was, especially rural areas, when it came to private transportation.
She placed herself in the commuters’ position and almost immediately connected with their struggle to get from one place to another in her home country.
After a thorough discussion with her partners about these circumstances in her home country, Manisha decided to start her own bus company to bridge the gap between quality transportation services and eager consumers.
“Not everyone has the means to have private transportation. It was a way to meet the needs of people in rural areas regarding their jobs,” she said.
However, some can’t help but wonder how Manisha can navigate the transportation industry, given that it’s an entirely different ballpark than what she was used to. But Manisha was no stranger to the challenges of moving around a male-dominated industry. She saw what Mozambique’s transport industry needed and was ready to provide the solution.
Involving Local and Global Communities
In any business, entrepreneurs know that proper preparation is vital to success. Manisha did her homework beforehand and studied the local market to understand their needs and wants. Yet beyond that, she gave her fellow Mozambicans a role in sparking change within their community and empowering them with an honest livelihood.
“All my employees are from my country, as the unemployment rate in Mozambique is 25 percent, and my goal is to help the community,” she said.
Beyond that, Manisha also consults with experts from foreign countries to get a fresh perspective on running her business according to global standards.
On the other hand, one community that Manisha continues to inspire and empower is the women. She shines a light on how women can achieve anything they set their hearts to with determination and passion, regardless of centuries-old gender discrimination. After all, she met a group of equally strong women who encouraged her to embrace her entrepreneurial side.
The same mantra applies to others as the Mozambican entrepreneur advocates diversity and inclusivity.
“One’s origin, ethnicity, or physical appearance should never be barriers to achieving one’s goals. I demonstrate in practice that, regardless of gender, age, and social status, anything is possible with focus and determination,” Manisha concluded.
Her decision to launch a bus company in Mozambique came from her deep empathy for her fellow citizens, particularly those in rural areas lacking adequate transportation options. Recognizing the disparity firsthand, she embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between quality transportation services and the communities in need. Despite the challenges of entering a new industry, Manisha’s determination and past experiences in male-dominated sectors fortified her resolve. Her story demonstrates that with empathy, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge norms, transformative change is within reach.
Make sure to follow Manisha Pratapsinh on her social media to stay updated with her new projects @manisha_pratapsinh
Published by: Holy Minoza
