Windows rolled down, masks rolled up; we were taking an Uber from Aerocity to Hauz Khas. Our driver wasn’t someone you would ordinarily see around the streets of Delhi. Her name is Shivani and she was a force to be reckoned with.
She told us, her lifelong dream was to become a taxi driver. Just like the rest of us who are continually left shocked and disgusted with the violent crimes that take place against women across the country, she has experienced and witnessed women getting harassed by male taxi drivers all her life.
Breaking boundaries that were drawn up for her by perpetuating unequal social structures and power relations, Shivani decided to take things in her own hands. After eloping, she was discouraged to pursue her dream of becoming a female chauffeur. One day, without ‘permission’, she decided to go and fill up a form at Azad Foundation which was offering a ‘Women on Wheels‘ program that included english lessons, first aid training, and of course, driving. Many years later, she now owns her own taxi, runs her entire household, and is financially independent.
Dotingly, she told us about her two children, a five year old and a seven year old. She wakes up every morning, cooks all three meals for her entire family, gets her kids ready for school, and then leaves for work at 8.30AM. Her day ends at 11.30pm. Exchanging stories with us, she mentioned how her days are filled with interesting people and anecdotes. She also told us, that as far as she can help it, she NEVER cancels a female customer’s ride on Uber, no matter how late or how far.
Shivani - a driver par excellence, a humorous & warm-hearted mother, and an ambitious hustler.
This is just one example of what we want the new India to look like. But there is much more to be done - especially for women chauffeurs. An entire supportive infrastructure needs to be made available – safe and hygienic washrooms, safe and well-lit roads, creches that operate through the day, working women hostels and shelter homes for women.