Women in Mysuru find financial freedom through autorickshaw driving

A total of 45 women in Mysuru have rebuilt their lives after losing the support of a male family member, finding financial independence by driving autorickshaws. These drivers have seen their earnings rise to three to five times higher compared to their previous jobs as security guards, vegetable vendors, food delivery workers, and factory hands.

Training And Support

The Mysuru-based Taliru Foundation trained these women to operate electric vehicle and compressed natural gas autorickshaws across six batches. The foundation uses a three-stage selection process to identify beneficiaries and helps them secure financial backing. Rotary Mysuru, Rotary East, Rotary Metro, and N.R. Foundation chairman R. Guru support this initiative through the 'Swalambi Stree' project. Women aged 25 to 50 from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagara, and Kodagu have taken part in the program.

Personal Stories

Uma, a resident of Gayathripuram whose husband was a lorry driver, earns an average of ₹1,000 daily and up to ₹2,000 during special events like Dasara. She works until 10.30 p.m. to support her children who face health issues. Another driver, Manasa, travels to remote locations and stays overnight in her vehicle to ferry women's theatre troupes, using her earnings to pay for her mother's brain tumour medical expenses. Single parents like Lakshmi and Manjula have also transformed their lives through this work, while the drivers have formed a WhatsApp group called 'Auto Sakhi' to connect with passengers and offer free rides to pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

Challenges

Taliru Foundation founder Chitra A.R. notes that getting loans remains a major hurdle because lenders often demand a male surety, while social taboos also persist. Additionally, women drivers struggle to find parking space at standard autorickshaw stands in the city.

Context

Such livelihood programs aim to help women from vulnerable backgrounds achieve financial stability through alternative transport jobs. Demand for last-mile transport services in growing urban centers often creates steady daily earning opportunities for independent drivers.