How scooters are helping Haryana's women get to work

One of the reasons why Haryana has the lowest female labour force participation is the lack of reliable, safe and cheap public transportation

It’s training day at the Haryana Police Academy in Madhuban, where 14 women constables stand to attention alongside their shiny Honda Duets, white helmets clamped to their heads.

The women, the daughters of teachers, labourers and farmers, know this: They will not be promoted to the next rank unless they learn to drive two-wheelers.

“It’s a bit scary when you start driving,” said Sarita, who joined the Haryana police as a constable in November 2016. “But then you get a hang of it, and your life becomes so much easier.” Like many of the women here, Sarita uses only one name.

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