There was a time when women as cab drivers was an unsounded thought. Today, thanks to brands like Ola, Uber, SheTaxi, Viira Cabs and initiatives like Women on Wheels more women are getting opportunities to challenge the socially acceptable job roles for women. These initiatives not only provide women equal opportunity as men but also provide safe transportation facility to female passengers.
Here are few stories of women who redefined the roles and challenged the male-dominated profession of taxi-service. Supported by Ola, these women are not only changing the traditional roles but also empowering and inspiring other women to not let their gender be their shackle.
Pinky Rani: New Delhi
When she lost her husband, the responsibility of her three children fell on her shoulders. Pinky who worked for Rs 1500-2000 per month decided to become a cab driver to support her family. As she joined Ola, the 42 year old driver was able to boost her income to Rs 700 per day. She woke up as early as 5:30 a.m. in the morning to prepare the meals for her family and drove the cab from 7 am to 8.30 p.m. A chance to a better standard of living and a safe work environment motivates her to work.
Ganga RV ( Ganga.Reddy.Venkataappa.): Bengaluru
A B.Com and B.Ed graduate, Ganga was a teacher for 15 years. Passionate about driving and longing to work on her own terms, she joined Ola. The wife of an Indian Railways employee and a mother of too, Ganga was well supported by her family in her endeavors. Attracted by the flexible work timings and driven by her chance to be self-reliant, she is now earning more than before and is able to manage work and also spend time with her family.
Shantham R. – Bengaluru
At 58, when most people think about retirement, Shantham life’s took a turn when her daughter passed away soon after giving birth to her grandson. Shantham and her husband then took the onus to take care of her grandson. They wanted to provide him a good education, but they knew that they were financially short to do so. To accomplish her dream, she became a part of Ola. Today, she owns an Ola Auto and earns more than her previous job. Because she believed, the world was hers to conquer.
Mahalakshmi
Motivated by the convenience and flexible timings, Mahalakshmi started her journey as an independent driver with Ola in the city. Her life has changed and she is been able to provide her family a comfortable living and support the education needs of her two children who have been admitted in residential schools.
Haytunnisha: Mumbai
Haytunnisha is a 27 year old confident female cab driver based out of Mumbai. She is the sole bread winner of her family of four. She had started her career by taking up many jobs like that of a security guard. However, it barely helped her meet the ends. Then as fate would have it, she came across a female driver who inspired her to become one. She joined Ola and is now able to provide a better living to her family.
As described by Anand Subramanian, Senior Director – Marketing Communications at Ola, “The freedom and flexibility of working on a platform like Ola, attracts women and men, alike. They are not bound by time, they can chose their work timings, log-in, log-off in between the day and find the balance they may need. Our platform empowers women and encourages more participation, by giving them an equal opportunity – they are entitled to the same rigorous training, support and benefits. And, that’s precisely how we empower them to turn entrepreneurs.”
Major companies like Ola provide professional training to their drivers, both in customer etiquettes and on operating smartphones like GPS navigation. Along with that, they are provided a 24X7 partner care hotline to reach the company representatives in case of emergencies. The cabs are GPS enabled and can be traced, thus ensuring both driver and customer safety.
Stories of women like these prove that the word ‘impossible’ is a mere excuse. There is nothing that cannot be done if you set your heart into it. Women are venturing out of their gender-defined roles to take control of their lives. This is the beginning of the change.
