The female driving force

A new epoch has begun in Patna with the induction of women autorickshaw drivers

At a time when crime against women is on the rise in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, Patna - a city not known for being women-friendly - presents an example of women empowerment. In what could be termed as a path-breaking event for the city, 15 trained women drivers in Patna have started a whole new career as autorickshaw drivers - till now the domain of men.

The Bihar State Autorickshaw Drivers' Association (BSADA) has been instrumental in promoting the cause of these women who have dared to think beyond the conventions set by society.

BSADA provided the women with the training to drive autorickshaws and also helped them in getting loans from banks to buy the vehicles. According to Rajkumar Jha, general secretary, BSADA, the association had trained 35 women, but only 15 could join in the first phase. Others would join later.

These women had to face stiff opposition and criticism from relatives, friends and neighbours. People made fun of them and no one took them seriously. They became the laughing stock for their neighbours. Even their relatives and friends were shocked when they came to know about their new aspirations and tried to dissuade them. But they remained resolute and defied all the resistance that stood in their way.

Sarita Pandey, one of the 15 women, earlier used to teach at a private school. But she got a modest salary of Rs 3,000 (This also highlights how well the teachers are paid in this country.) Now she hopes to earn more and lead a better life. "Thode paise kama lungi to zindagi bhi achhe se beetegi aur apne baal-bacchon ko bhi achhe se padha paungi (If I earn some more money, I can lead a better life and can teach my children properly)," she says with hope and happiness sparkling in her eyes.

Keeping their safety in mind, the women drive their autos from 6 am to 6 pm. As of now, they carry only women passengers. Women, too, find it safer and more comfortable to be ferried by these autorickshaws. "I would definitely prefer to board an autorickshaw driven by a woman," says Nisha Kumari, a student of Patna Women's College.

However, the mindset of society has still not undergone any transformation and gender discrimination continues. These women drivers complain of strange looks and leers from people on the roads. It is also mandatory for them to wear a uniform while driving, while their male counterparts do not have to do so.

Nevertheless, it is a welcome step towards a new beginning and it may go a long way in promoting the cause of women empowerment in Bihar.