Empowerment refers to the process of giving individuals, in this case, women, the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to have control over their lives, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals. Empowering women is essential for achieving gender equality and promoting social and economic development.
Empowering women requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, communities, governments, and organizations working together to address the various barriers and challenges women face. It's about creating a world where women have equal opportunities and can fully participate in all aspects of society.
Breaking all gender barriers and taking strong steps towards women empowerment. Venkadarath Saritha became the first female DTC bus driver in India. The gritty 30-year-old from Telangana has given hope and a future to the city torn and bleeding from a spurt of rape cases.
Saritha's journey could not have been easy. She started driving an auto-rickshaw to support her family of five sisters when she was twenty. Over the period of 10 years, she has driven heavy vehicles, buses, and cars. She came to Delhi four years ago to work in Sakha cabs which runs an all-women taxi service.
Saritha said: "Working for Sakha not only gave me confidence but also made me aware of the need for safe transport for women in Delhi and helped me understand the fear and insecurity of Delhi women." Saritha went through a four-week training program and joined duty on April 20th. She said: "It is a very proud moment for me to enter this male-dominated field on my own terms. I hope I am able to pave the way for more and more female drivers to join DTC in the future."
Till now, DTC has 8544 male drivers and 243 female conductors but no female drivers. Her appointment would help appease the public who is angry and frustrated about the harassment of women in public transport. Officials in DTC hope that this appointment will inspire other women to take bus driving as a safe job option. Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai gave an appointment letter to Ms. Saritha in front of transport officers at his office in the State Secretariat on Friday. It was a proud moment for DTC and for Saritha and her family.
Amidst supporting messages from passengers and well-wishers Ms. Saritha started her new job. Passengers were intrigued by their driver and came to talk and click snaps. Saritha was happy with all the attention she was getting and was enjoying her newfound celebrity status.
With her hair very short and dressed in pants and shirt, she may appear to be a man at first sight but she is very much a woman with a womanly desire to buy gold earrings with her first salary as a bus driver. She said: " I wear my hair short and wear pants and a shirt to show that I am no less than a man". Being the youngest of five sisters, she is still unmarried though all her sisters are married.
Ms. Saritha was aware of her responsibilities. "I am thankful to DTC for giving me this chance. This is a big opportunity for me. Getting a government job is a big thing in our family. My father is really pleased", said the dutiful daughter. She further said: "I am aware that this is a very challenging job as the reputation of bus drivers is not good. I have to not only take care of my passengers but also see that I follow the traffic rules to the tilt. I will never over-speed or drive rashly. I will also park the bus in the designated parking place. I will also pay no heed to those who wave down the bus in the middle of the road."
Being a female she is aware that she is answerable to all women. " I will take special care of women in my bus and ensure that they have a safe journey. I want to give a message to women that no job is meant only for men. Women can do anything if they realize their full potential.", said the courageous Saritha.
Hearing her story of courage, determination, and hard work, one can't help but admire her for her rare feat. In a city that is witnessing crime against women every day, such women are a source of inspiration and pride. But it again raises the issue of whether it is safe for Venkadarath Saritha to drive on the streets of Delhi even in the daytime. Is she protected and secure against the atrocities on women?
Women in India have been harassed and treated like second-class citizens for centuries. India has been a male-dominated world, where women were never given their dues. With the Western influences creeping into the Indian economy at an alarming rate, there has been a silver lining. Women are being recognized and appreciated. And there is no stopping them for sure.
All eyes are on Saritha and other such daring women. You can find them in all parts of India - Kerala, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, and everywhere else. Hope they don't have to pay a price for their courage and fortitude and would pave the path for women to take challenging positions in the future and make other women feel safe and secure.