Hyderabad Women in Driving Industry
A dent is being made in the male-dominated industry of vehicle driving in the city thanks to the employment of 19 women from marginalised groups. Azmeera Bobby, a commercial pilot who has taken on the responsibility of inspiring women from underserved communities to pursue a career in vehicle driving, is the leader of this programme for women’s empowerment. These jobless women are given electric cars after training by ETO Motors Pvt Ltd, an electric mobility service provider, in partnership with the Shaheen group (NGO). The women are given rigorous training in operating the e-autos as part of the “Women owner/driver partners initiative for livelihood and sustainability programme” before submitting an application for licences to 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.
Apart from driving lessons, they are also trained in customer management and safety at work. Additionally, charging stations have been set up at Mughalpura grounds, and many other places across the city for an uninterrupted driving experience.
Speaking to media, a lady auto driver donning an abaya, who operates within the Old City limits has said that she has taken up the profession so that she could assist her husband financially.
The woman also stated that she was praised by customers for her bravery while young girls commuting in her auto said that they felt safer with a lady driver. “While women from all the communities are being positive towards taking up the profession, a huge response is being received from women belonging to the Muslim community,” told Bobby.
The auto drivers claim to be able to make between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 1500 per day, and at the conclusion of the day, Rs. 500 is given to the women’s empowerment group to fund its operations.
They are welcome to train a new group of novices in the same profession for which they will be paid, Bobby said. “However, once they complete the driving job for a brief period of one year, the women are welcome to do so. They will end up earning double income by driving auto and also by giving training sessions as and when required,” Bobby said.
Women under the age of 36 are welcome to participate in the initiative, according to the organisers.
Additionally, the empowerment organisation is seeking assistance from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) groups.
(This story has not been edited by Bharat Express staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
