To Raise The Standards Of Women Safety In The Country, Sakha Cabs Introduces Women Drivers

23-year-old Zeenat has been driving a commercial cab for four years and it was the need for a job that she got her to start driving. While talking to NDTV, Zeenat, a commercial driver at Sakha Cabs, said, “Initially I didn't enjoy driving but when I drove for the first time I felt I was flying and now I enjoy every minute of it”. Zeenat was fortunate as her mother encouraged her to move out of her comfort zone to learn something new. “My mother passed away, but I am so happy to have taken this as my career. I never refuse any duties whether its morning or night”, added Zeenat.

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In partnership with Azad Foundation, Sakha provides livelihoods with dignity to poor women in India as part of “Women on Wheels (WOW)” initiative.

The programme provides technical, self-empowerment and self-development training to fully equip women to become self-sustaining professional drivers. After the training at Azad foundation, the qualified women drivers are transferred to us at Sakha where we help them with the employment opportunities in private chauffeur placements, shared Sheeba V. Parambil, Head of Operations, Sakha Cabs.

Geeta joined Sakha in 2013 but today besides driving she also trains the trainee drivers and educates them on route knowledge, GPS usage, engine functioning, and maintenance and how to deal with clients. Geeta helps the newly trained drivers with all technical aspects of the car from changing a flat tyre to the engine oil. Geeta, trainer and commercial driver, Sakha Cabs said,

I used to be a housewife and would stitch for an earning, but after becoming a commercial driver and a trainer, I not only take my own decisions but also changed the environment in my house and improved my financial condition.

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To deal with any situation the women also get training from Delhi Police for self-defence and have a 24-hour app that helps them in case of an emergency.

Women are trained where they know what to do in case of emergency and all our drivers have pepper sprays to protect themselves and their clients, added Sheeba.

11 years ago there weren't too many professional women drivers in cities, but today the initiative has enabled over 700 women to become employable as a chauffeur by acquiring professional training. Sakha cabs for women are now also available for hire in Jaipur, Indore, and Kolkata. The drivers are taught map reading, routes, communications and grooming, an understanding of women's rights ensuring that a smart, confident and well-trained woman is behind the wheels of your car.

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