25 women from the city with vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds recently completed training to become 'professional drivers' and 5 have been placed in jobs this week in an initiative flagged by 2 NGOs. Even as the women complete a 6-8 months long training programme called 'Driverben- Ek Nayi Pehchaan' held jointly by Ahmedabad NGO JanVikas and Aazad Foundation from April, 5 among them have already bagged driver's licenses and started working as drivers with various families in the city. Reshma A. A-Head of JanVikas(NGO) said, "It was initially tough to convince women's families to join the program as driving is seen as a 'non-traditional profession'. But once we ensured the families of their safety and that they will be able to generate a healthy income, many came forward. A majority of the women participants are either separated, widowed , divorced and 2 hail from communities which used to earlier do manual scavenging. All women are now the sole breadwinners of their families and can support themselves economically. They have also received training in grooming, first aid, legal and gender awareness and car care as well. We plan to train 100 more women in a year and held increase their income by 25% and more with a commercial driver's license in a year's time. We see a high preference in the city for lady drivers among families and senior citizens which augurs well for them." Watch What Else is Making News Struggling to find a stable job after losing her spouse, 27-year old Rekha Kahar from Odhav said that the lack of a BA degree, English and relevant computer skills proved impediments. "I used to take up sewing and make Rs 5-6000 a month but then the jobs have dried up. I needed an income to raise 2 school going kids on my own and have just bagged a job that gives me Rs 9500." Having been a housewife all her life 36 year old Farzana Pathan who separated from her spouse 2 years back, said her brothers backed her to do 'something different' and become independent. She says, "I needed a job desperately to provide for my 11 year old son and I may have just cleared a job interview today. While crossing a highway was a nightmare for me when I began, now I wish to now drive long distances routes to Vadodara-Surat-Mehsana and will work towards the dream of becoming a commercial taxi driver soon."
