Mysuru: R Guru, chairman of NR Foundation, emphasised the significance of empowering women beyond just providing skills, stating, "Empowering women is not just about providing skills, it is about unlocking potential and transforming lives."
"Through the Swavalambi Stree Autorickshaw Driving programme, we are ecstatic to have equipped underprivileged women with the means to earn a livelihood," he said.
He was speaking at the flagging-off ceremony for the first batch of women auto drivers who completed the Swavalambi Stree Autorickshaw Driving programme.
The programme, a collaborative effort by NR Foundation, Taliru Foundation, Rotary Mysore, and Rotary Mysore East, successfully trained underprivileged women in autorickshaw driving free of cost. The comprehensive training included not only motor driving skills but also essential life skills such as financial literacy, self-defence, communication skills, and counselling.
Eleven women from the first batch completed their training and are now certified to drive in the city, equipped with an RTO license, a badge, and a uniform. The second batch of twelve women has been selected to undergo the same training.
The programme aims to uplift the lives of underprivileged women who face challenges due to limited access to education, early marriage, and a lack of necessary skills to earn a livelihood. The training, led by industry experts on a pro bono basis, has helped the women become resilient and independent individuals with the ability to earn a living by driving autorickshaws.
Rekha, a participant from Pandavapura in Mandya district, shared her story of being abandoned by her husband after having three daughters and living with his elderly mother. "I am a Class 5 pass. I was struggling to earn enough money. My family members kept us away. I found hope when I found out about the Swavalambi Stree programme. I changed from being a timid woman due to all life skills sessions and I can now drive an autorickshaw confidently," she said.
Another participant, Manasa, shared her aspirations, saying, "Due to family circumstances, I could not complete SSLC. I started working in a fuel station and then took up Swiggy delivery. I want to remain single. I have an ambition to own a fleet of autos and enable more women to drive."
Chitra AR, founder and director of the Taliru Foundation, expressed the significance of the initiative, stating, "The initiative is a culmination of our commitment to empowering women through education and skill development."
The ceremony was attended by Praveen M from Rotary Mysore and Rohit Subbayya from Rotary Mysore East.