Help Women in India Become Professional Drivers

The year 2023 was a mixed bag which brought both gains and losses in the achievement of gender equality in India. On a positive note, India climbed eight places in the Annual Gender Gap Report in 2023, ranking 127 out of 146 countries and closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap. Yet, among the four key dimensions of the index, it has fared poorly in ‘Economic Participation and Opportunity’ with only 36.7% gender parity achieved in this domain. Although, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data shows a gradual increase in female Labour Force Participation Rate since 2017, a staggering 91% of Indian women in paid jobs are in the informal sector[1], which is characterized by lack of dignity of labour, social security, decent and timely wages, provision for childcare or leaves.

Azad Foundation, along with its partners Sakha, Samaan and Janvikas, is actively engaged in reshaping this narrative. Azad ensures the inclusion of marginalized women in non-traditional skill education and dignified livelihoods in the transportation sector in India as professional chauffeurs and riders.

Resilience and adaptation have remained fundamental to Azad's interventions and in the year 2023 too, Azad strived to adapt to evolving trends in the socio-economic landscape. Through sustained engagement with policy-makers and market players, Azad has opened new opportunities for women in transportation across India including public and electric transport, pushing back the gender divide in employment and facilitating a gender-just transition to electric mobility.

This year, 495 women became employable with permanent driving licenses. 304 women entered different avenues in the transportation and e-commerce sector as 4-wheeler drivers, riders, bus drivers and even trailer truck drivers, claiming their rightful space in the public realm. These chauffeurs provided over 72000 safe rides and earned cumulative earnings of 300 thousand USD through the year. Out of the 86% of women who were survivors of gender based violence, 56% were empowered to challenge it.

In this edition, we proudly present compelling narratives of chauffeurs and riders who achieved remarkable milestones and conquered fresh challenges in the year 2023.

 Brinda (name changed), Driver employed with Snap E-cabs, Kolkata’s first electric cab service

“I am happy that I have a stable source of earning now. I am educating my 9-year old son in a private English-medium school and want him to do well in his life. I aspire to achieve my dreams of building a house and raising my son independently.”

Brinda has separated from her husband and lives with her mother and son in Kolkata. She was fond of driving as she grew up observing her father and grandfather who were very good drivers. Her desire to drive and financial circumstances drove her to join Azad’s training. It was during this time that she made the decision to separate from her husband as he was strongly opposed to her choice. In 2023, Shyamoli landed a job as a driver in Snap E-cabs. Embracing life on her own terms, she has not only found financial independence but has also gained confidence to navigate the world on her own.

Anita (name changed), Driver with Bridgestone, Pune

“Coming to Pune for my job was difficult initially as I did not know the culture, language or any routes. There were days when the thought of returning home crossed my mind. But my resilience and a supportive work environment have enabled me to overcome these challenges and navigate the city with confidence.”

Anita began her journey as a driver in the year 2017 after completing her driving training from Samaan Society, Azad’s partner in Indore. She worked in the roles of private chauffeur and cab driver for almost 5 years in Indore and was one of the drivers who were a part of the first all-women’s cab service launch in Indore.

In 2023, Anita attained a new milestone in her professional journey. She received a job offer as a driver from Bridgestone in Pune. Initially hesitant, Anita, who had spent her entire life in Indore with her parents, harbored a desire to live independently and explore a new place. After negotiating with her family, she accepted the job.

Anita is enthusiastic about her new job as her earnings have risen to an average of 490 USD monthly, accompanied by additional social security benefits. Overcoming her initial fears of living independently in a new city, she now feels entirely fearless and enjoys exploring new places whenever she gets time off work.

Geetha (name changed), Delivery Partner with Dunzo, Chennai

“The economic independence that I have gained is a source of joy for me. I often achieve a month's worth of income from my previous job as a sales person within just a week as a delivery partner.”

Geetha resides with her 2 children in Chennai. With her husband having left her three years ago, Geetha faced the challenges of raising her two children independently while working odd jobs. She decided to join Azad’s two-wheeler riding training with the desire of achieving more economic independence. Geetha joined as a delivery partner with Dunzo this year, and has discovered a newfound happiness and confidence. Unlike her previous job, this job offers flexibility that resonates with her role as a single mother. Even if she has to skip work for a week, she can make up for her lost earnings in the next week.

She is no longer bound by permissions and decisions made for her and takes pride in her ability to carve her own path.In the face of societal expectations and her husband's assumptions, Geetha proudly defies them. Being able to earn and spend money on herself has given her joy.

[1] according to the IWWAGE -Institute of Social Studies Trust report