There are currently 19 women from marginalized communities working as auto drivers in the city, making a dent in the male-dominated occupation.
Azmeera Bobby, a commercial pilot, is in charge of this women’s empowerment initiative, which aims to educate, train, and empower women from marginal communities to take up auto driving as their profession.
In collaboration with the Shaheen group (NGO), ETO Motors Pvt Ltd, an electric mobility service provider, is providing these unemployed women with electric vehicles after training.
The women in the ‘Women owner/driver partners initiative for livelihood and sustainability program’ are thoroughly trained in driving the e-autos before applying for licenses from the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
“Along with local women, 30 in Delhi and 250 girls in Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with their respective road transport administrations are also under training,” Azmeera Bobby said.
Aside from driving lessons, they are also trained in customer service and workplace safety. Additionally, charging stations have been installed at Mughalpura grounds and numerous other locations throughout the city to ensure an uninterrupted driving experience.
A lady auto driver wearing an abaya who operates within the Old City limits was quoted as saying that she took up the profession to help her husband financially.
Customers praised the woman for her bravery, and young girls commuting in her vehicle said they felt safer with a female driver.
“While women from all communities are enthusiastic about pursuing the profession, a strong response has been received from women from the Muslim community, said Bobby.
According to the auto drivers, they can earn between Rs 1000 and Rs 1500 per day, with Rs 500 going to the women empowerment group at the end of the day to help it function.
“However, once they have completed the driving job for a period of one year, the women are welcome to train a new set of newbies in the same profession for which they will be paid. They will end up earning double income by driving auto and also by giving training sessions as and when required,” Bobby explained.
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