Now India’s self confident women sit down behind the taxi wheel. In this days Women as taxi driver are still a rare sight on the streets of this world. In India more and more taxi providers offer a service from women for women. This transport service can be used by travelers as well. Worldwide driving a taxi is a men dominated profession. Therefore it comes to no surprise, that women behind the wheel are watched with a skeptic eye.
Usually this skepticism empowers them, makes them continue with their work and encourages them to act as a role model for young and modern Indian women. This is shown by the increasing number of female taxi services. First in the big cities but now also more and more in smaller cities
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The training is fostered by public organizations such as the NSKFC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation) and private organization. NSKFC offers the possibility as part of a national program to improve chances of underprivileged women. A private organisation that trains female taxi driver is, for example, women on wheels. In an eight month course the women learn how to drive, but also the English language and self defence techniques. After the acquirement of the driving license they can apply for an official licence to be able to work as a taxi driver.
The multiple companies offer their service in the cities of e.g. Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. The company SheTaxi, initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice in Kerala, offers its service in the whole region. In the state Goa this service is offered by the tourism department. The companies drive the Indian women to their working place, to an evening event or travelers to the next sight. The start-up “India Someday” helps with finding the right guide (http://indiasomeday.de). For booking a ride just search the right provider and call their service number. Many companies even offer an online-booking or an app service. You can also ask the town government or the local India Tourism Office.
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One of the managers of the taxi service has already a new project in mind, a rickshaw service for female driver. Who knows, maybe female driver will be watched by surprised spectators behind a wheel at such vehicles soon.
(Source: Azad Foundation)
