Women taxi drivers to take on Delhi roads

a Delhi-based NGO is bringing together women, to be trained as taxi drivers, ready to take on the security threat  too.

24-year old Rita is one such women, who is in the initial stages of training to become a taxi driver, on Delhi's roads. When she had told her parents of the idea, a month ago, they were taken aback.

But she convinced them of the financial positives, and her determination to stand up to all stereotyping.

"Tell me any work that men can do and women can't? Initially my parents were nervous, they said you won't be able to do it, you are a girl. Girls have become pilots and airhostesses but they have not ventured into driving taxis. I think this could be a good beginning," said Rita, taxi driver.

Also, on the same NGO programme is Chandni. For her, the programme is about being able to earn a living for herself and the family, setting aside security fears and societal barriers.

"I am not worried because we know how to take care of ourselves," said Chandni.

As of now, the Delhi-based NGO has recruited nine women volunteers, from slum areas in city, to be trained as professional taxi drivers. They hope to take that up by the end of this year.

Beyond training as drivers, the women will also go through self-defence and communication skills classes, and be ready to take to the roads alone by the end of next year.