International Women’s Day 2025: ‘Treat challenges as opportunities’, says Pune’s first woman RTO Archana Gaikwad

Gaikwad then served as the assistant transport commissioner in Mumbai and as the deputy RTO in Washim, besides completing stints in Akluj and Solapur before her current appointment. “In Washim, I was the only woman in the office but it was completely fine. All the officers and staff worked together and we were able to do good work,” she says.

“My message to women and girls today is to take the challenges they face in a positive manner. Whatever work you want to do, take it to its end,” the officer adds.

Talking about how women can motivate others, Gaikwad says, “As we all know, Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary (Sujata Saunik) is also a woman. This gives inspiration to other women who want to come into the workforce. Many would be encouraged to stand on their own feet and enrol for exams and join government administration, and enter other fields as well.”

She also underlines the importance of family support when it comes to success. “I gave the MPSC exams when my kids were young. My family – husband, in-laws, children, and even extended family — supported me a lot. It is very difficult to succeed without family support. I would request all parents to completely support their girl children in their careers and try to bring them into the mainstream,” Gaikwad says.