Juspay-backed Namma Yatri will onboard 1,000 women autorickshaw drivers by June 2024.
"Since August 2023, in collaboration with NGOs like Shishu Mandir, we have been empowering women drivers. We are proud of our 50 women drivers who have collectively earned Rs. 12 lakh, served 11,000 customers, and covered 55,000 Km. Our aim is to empower 1,000 women drivers by June 2024," said Magizhan Selvan, chief product officer of Juspay.
Namma Yatri launches Mahila Shakti, a women drivers' initiative in collaboration with Bengaluru City Police, Parihar, and the Dr B R Ambedkar Health and Education Foundation. This initiative is designed to empower women from diverse backgrounds to become electric auto drivers.
Also, read: Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union in Bengaluru breaks up with Namma Yatri
"The Mahila Shakti programme offers a comprehensive one-month training course covering practical driving, traffic laws, safety, and vehicle maintenance. It also supports women in starting their own driving businesses. Targeting women aged 25 to 45 years, the programme opens the path to higher income, economic independence, and flexible working hours. After the free training, Namma Yatri provides women with electric autos on a daily rent and facilitates low-interest vehicle ownership through financial institutions. Both customers and drivers have expressed high satisfaction and provided positive feedback about the programme," said a statement from Juspay.
B Dayanada, Bengaluru city police commissioner, at the programme's inauguration, said, "This is a significant step for Bengaluru towards inclusivity and empowerment. The electric auto driving training program not only empowers women for financial independence but also challenges societal norms, enhances safety, and fosters a diverse mobility ecosystem in our city."
"Participants have rated driving autos as more favorable than traditional employment options like housekeeping or shopkeeping, citing greater freedom and higher earnings. Women interested in joining the program can contact Namma Yatri by calling 080-69724800 or via WhatsApp at 8618963188," it adds.
Also, read: Spotlight on zero-commission models after Namma Yatri, auto union break tie-up
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