Meet a female autorickshaw driver who defies the odds | Fusion - WeRIndia

In her quest to support her three daughters, Sathyavani initially chose tailoring as her skill set.

However, it was behind the handlebars of an autorickshaw that she discovered her true sense of freedom.

Though she does not take credit for this decision, as she was abandoned by her husband for giving birth to girls, Sathyavani embraced the unconventional path of becoming a female autorickshaw driver, a rarity in 2000.

With a leap of faith and 23 years of dedication, her auto has become her lifeline, providing for her family, enabling their education, and fostering meaningful connections and personal identity.

Facing adversity, Sathyavani took to the streets of Chennai. While most passengers treated her with respect and kindness, some held prejudiced views, considering her presence on the streets after sundown as a violation.

She encountered instances where male passengers played explicit content on their phones to gain her attention.

On another occasion, she dropped off a man at a lodge who attempted to coerce her into entering his room.

Sathyavani handles such situations with courage, making it clear that their behaviour is unacceptable, and discreetly seeks help from strangers if necessary.

Motivated by the growing number of women entering the profession, Sathyavani decided to establish a community.

Her WhatsApp group now includes around 200 women riders who support one another in difficult situations, lend a listening ear, and encourage others to pursue this profession.

She advises women, including some of her passengers, that they don’t need to compromise their dignity to earn a livelihood.

Driving an autorickshaw allows them to earn between ₹500 and ₹1,000 per day, giving them the autonomy to set their own work rules and schedules.

At the age of 47, she plans to continue driving her auto for as long as her body permits.

Despite the challenges she has faced, there is nothing else she would rather do.

With a sense of determination, Sathyavani concludes her story, signing off with pride in her chosen profession.

Image Credit: Gowtham Sampath, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Korukkupet_railway_station.jpg