Women steer change as more take up autorickshaw driving

Mysuru: One of the noticeable things on city roads today is the growing number of women driving autorickshaws. Efforts and interventions by various organisations are beginning to show results, with around 58 women now driving autorickshaws for their livelihood.According to Sowmya S, Mysuru district president of the Peace Auto and Taxi Association, the city had only four women auto drivers until a couple of years ago. "Today, around 58 women are running autos for their livelihood," she said.
Chitra AR, founder and director of Taliru Foundation, said that 50 women obtained their driving licences after undergoing training in auto driving through a joint initiative of NR Foundation, Taliru Foundation, Bengaluru, Rotary Club of Mysuru, Rotary Club of Mysuru East, German organisation GIZ, and IDFC Foundation. "These women, about 70% of whom are single mothers, were trained in six batches," she said. Of them, 30 women already started driving autos. "Among them, 26 are operating in Mysuru city, while two are running autos in Gonikoppal and Srirangapatna. The remaining 20 women are ready to take up the profession, but due to poor CIBIL scores, they are unable to secure loans. At the same time, many auto owners are reluctant to give them vehicles on rent," she explained. She added that NBFCs often insist on male sureties before granting loans. "For many women, especially those who are separated, it is difficult to find someone willing to stand as surety," she said. Chitra noted that her organisation helped to make down payments for 15 women auto drivers. "Contrary to the apprehensions of financial institutions, these women drivers are making their EMI payments on time," she said. She also pointed out that most of the single mothers are separated and face challenges different from those experienced by widows or divorced women. "Even while working in the field, they face several difficulties. However, technology-based aggregator platforms are helping them overcome some of these challenges," she added. Meanwhile, according to Sowmya, Savio Trust supported the initiative by making payments for 10 autorickshaws.