Traditionally encouraged to stick to activities like stitching, pickling, and handicrafts, several women in Uttarakhand are now rewriting the narrative by taking up driving as a profession. Thanks to the efforts of Shruti Kaushik, patron of Saheli Trust, over 54 women have become trained cab drivers and are now financially independent.
According to Shruti Kaushik, conventional jobs often fail to provide sufficient income or long-term interest for women. Saheli Trust focuses on empowering women, especially survivors of domestic violence, by offering self-employment opportunities. In 2018, the Trust launched an all-women ‘She-Cab’ service for female passengers. Since then, in collaboration with the transport department, 54 women have been trained. Mamta Pujari, Uttarakhand’s first commercial woman driver, was also trained under this initiative. Today, these women drive She-Cabs, serve institutions like FRI, and earn a respectable livelihood.
New Skill Plans for Women
Saheli Trust also plans to offer plumber and electrician training courses exclusively for women to expand their scope of financial independence.
Mamta Pujari, who now takes women on Char Dham Yatra tours in her taxi, ensures both safe travel and employment for herself. Joining her are Yashoda (30) and Radha (40), who also drive professionally and support their families through this new path.
