Neelam Choudhary, Wasim Akram
Whenever a woman enters a male-dominated occupation, she encounters numerous barriers and challenges. However, she also becomes the centre of attention. In today’s era, social media has become so popular that every little thing gets highlighted. Take the case of female auto-rickshaw drivers in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the utmost efforts of various stakeholders, particularly reporters and the concerned SHOs posted in different regions, we were able to identify just eight of them. After seeking appointments from these female drivers, we interviewed them. They shared with us that driving a rickshaw was not their first choice. They revealed painful stories, ranging from ailing parents to severe illness and the death of the husband or being abandoned by husband. Though for a few of them the goal was to support their families and meet expenses, they decided to join this profession only after exploring other options. Though in few cases, husbands and fathers came forward to train and motivate them, the general society not only doubted their driving skills but also questioned their families about whether that was the only option left.
Facing Societal Judgment
In our society, characterized by low participation of women in the workforce and gender segregation, this is a common phenomenon. Banjeet Kour from Udhampur, who has been driving an auto-rickshaw since 2019 and is equally competent in driving any heavy vehicle like a bus, truck etc., shares how her relatives asked her father why he sent his daughter to the bazaar with an auto-rickshaw. Meenakshi Devi, whose husband was on dialysis, had to counter a villager who told her husband to stop her, claiming she would not only harm herself but also the passengers. Seema Devi, who watched her first video on YouTube at least ten times, shared how she had to face stereotypical remarks from her in-laws about not wearing a veil while driving. When interrupted by her school-going son, who asked her not to drive an auto-rickshaw because his friends often laughed at him, she responded by saying she would stop provided his friends promised to pay for their monthly groceries as well as the school dues. A similar story was shared by Sudesh Devi from Nagri, who hails this profession apart from being a good player and her passion for working in male dominated works like mason, furniture work, electrician etc.
Kauser Jahan from Kashmir shared her personal and professional journey. Before driving an e-rickshaw, her family lived in a joint household. Unfortunately, her family faced significant finanacial challenges. With education up to the ninth grade, Kauser initially worked as a tailor but found the rigid working hours unmanageable. Motivated by inner strength and support from her in-laws, she transitioned to driving an e-rickshaw. This shift provided her independence and flexibility, allowing her to navigate work and life on her terms. Despite societal disapproval, particularly from her mother and brother-in-law, she persisted. Her first passenger, a woman, kissed her forehead in appreciation and presented her with a 100-rupee note, a moment Kauser recalls fondly as a testament to breaking stereotypes.
Empowerment and Pride Through Work
For these women, driving has brought more than financial independence. The flexibility of managing their schedules allows them to balance household responsibilities and professional demands. Over time, their efforts have improved their families’ socio-economic conditions, proving that women can thrive in unconventional roles. Being saluted by a Brigadier and a doctor or being called a brother by fellow rickshaw drivers; or being invited by Sh. Manoj Sinha, LG for lunch and felicitation by Sh. Devender Singh Rana to ‘Nagrota ki beti’; these are few instances which gives them pride in what they are doing.
A Call for Support
However, occupational segregation by gender remains a major barrier. The labour market often discourages women from taking up roles traditionally reserved for men. This must change.These women have a clear message for society and policymakers: more women should be encouraged to join this profession.
A Path Forward
The courage of these women is a beacon of hope, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for others. As role models, they prove that with support and opportunity, women can overcome societal barriers and achieve empowerment. It’s time for society to dismantle gender biases and support women in exploring their full potential.
Policy Proposals
The policy recommendations include training and mentorship Programs by the Government and NGOs; financial Support i.e. subsidised or low-interest loans for women to purchase e-rickshaws; building safer and more inclusive public spaces for women working in transport sector; gender-neutral policies i.e. policies ensuring equal opportunities for women in government transportation jobs, like ambulance or public bus drivers, paving the way for broader inclusion and holding community awareness campaigns or sensitization campaigns to counter the gender biases, so as to encourage the acceptance of women in male-dominated professions.
(Neelam Choudhary is a Faculty of Economics at CDOE, University of Jammu;
Wasim Akram is a PhD Scholar, Department of Economics, University of Jammu)
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