In a world that often overlooks the extraordinary feats of African women, Ebaide's journey stands out as a testament to resilience and determination. A Nigerian biker and disability rights advocate, Ebaide embarked on a solo motorcycle journey across 20 African countries, aiming to set a Guinness World Record. Despite her monumental achievement, her application was rejected and erased without explanation, sparking outrage and raising questions about inclusivity and recognition in global institutions.
Ebaide's journey began on March 8, 2024—International Women's Day. Starting from Kenya on a 250cc motorcycle, she traversed deserts, crossed volatile borders, and faced unpredictable terrains, all alone. Her goal was to earn recognition for the "Longest Solo Motorcycle Ride Across Africa by a Woman." This feat was even more remarkable considering her past; at 23, she survived a car accident that left her temporarily paralyzed. Defying medical expectations, she learned to ride a motorcycle, turning her tragedy into a triumph.
After concluding her ride, Ebaide applied to the Guinness World Records, paying a $1,000 priority processing fee. To her dismay, her application was rejected within three days. The organization claimed that her attempt did not qualify for an official title and suggested she pay an additional £10,000 for a business consultation. Even more devastating, all evidence she submitted—videos, documents, and tracking records—was erased from their system without notice. "It felt like being wiped out of existence," she said. “I've fought through paralysis, pain, poverty, and patriarchy—and now I'm being told none of it mattered.”
Rather than allow the rejection to define her, Ebaide channeled her disappointment into a new mission. She announced plans for another solo ride—from South Africa back to Kenya—to raise awareness and funds for orphaned African girls, a cause close to her heart. On April 27, her birthday, she unveiled a pan-African initiative aimed at spotlighting African stories often overlooked or erased by global organizations. "If they won't write my legacy," she declared, “then maybe I'm meant to write it myself—not just for me, but for every African girl who's ever been told she doesn't belong in the history books.”
Ebaide Joy's story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Her journey highlights the challenges African women often face in gaining recognition on global platforms. Despite the pain and injustice she endured, Ebaide remains unbroken, using her experience to inspire change and empower others. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that true recognition comes not from institutions, but from the impact one leaves on the world.
