Vivo Energy launches ‘She’ll Fix’ to empower women with car maintenance skills
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Vivo Energy Ghana has introduced ‘She’ll Fix,’ a pioneering automobile maintenance programme designed to give women the confidence and skills to handle basic car-care tasks.
The maiden edition, held in Accra, drew more than 200 participants, including female drivers, industry experts and law-enforcement representatives, all committed to building women’s confidence on the road.
Explaining the initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana’s Corporate Communications Manager, Shirley Tony Kum, said many women panic when their cars break down and often rely on husbands or mechanics for help.
“She’ll Fix empowers women to identify issues like a faulty fan belt or engine trouble, so they can accurately describe the problem before calling a mechanic. This saves time and ensures the right tools and support are brought in,” she noted.
The training highlighted the importance of lubrication and the use of quality products, particularly premium Shell engine oils.
Participants learned how to check engine oil, coolant levels and perform essential safety inspections before starting a trip. Experts also provided road-safety guidance, with police officers joining to explain driver responsibilities and interactions with law enforcement.
Keynote speaker Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, praised the programme’s role in breaking cultural and mental barriers that discourage women from managing their own vehicles.
“Women fix everything, from meals to health needs, yet we hesitate when it comes to vehicles. If we can nurture life and manage homes, we can certainly maintain cars,” she stated, drawing applause.
Ms Cobbah observed that traditional gender roles have long limited women to domestic duties while men were socialised to handle vehicles.
Despite more women driving today, many still depend on men for car-related issues, leading to delays and frustration. She challenged participants to shatter myths and take charge of their own mobility.
“Society loses when it overlooks the value women bring. Until we liberate our minds, we cannot fully liberate men,” Ms Cobbah said.
She linked the initiative to broader empowerment goals, recalling her experience supporting female heavy-duty truck drivers in the mining sector.
“Women can excel in technical and leadership roles when given the opportunity,” Ms Cobbah emphasised, urging Vivo Energy women to champion the project and inspire others.
In closing, she applauded Vivo Energy for fostering self-reliance and national development.
“A confident woman is an asset to society. Programmes like She’ll Fix build self-esteem and unlock our full potential. Today, by opening bonnets and fixing tyres, we’ve shattered myths and rebuilt confidence,” Ms Cobbah added.She’ll Fix is the first programme of its kind by an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) in Ghana. Vivo Energy plans to expand it to Kumasi and the Northern Region next year, reaching more communities and reinforcing the message that women can and should manage their own vehicles.
