Let’s go on a pink ride

It is Pink because it is a campaign for safe travel of women with women auto drivers

Vaada Foundation founder president Suresh Raju poses along with the girls whom his organisation trained in driving autos. Photo: Nagara Gopal

V. Narayanamma feels liberated the moment she fires the ignition of her vehicle. It gives her a sense of independence and an opportunity to show that she can match steps with the rest. There is a smile on her face and at times she breaks into a giggle as she shares experiences of her first few days of learning the auto.

Though young she is not ready to be cowed down by the fact that she is a girl or that driving an auto isn’t a girl’s regular vocation. “When women can run the country, be business barons and take important decisions why is it so difficult to drive an auto to ferry passengers and earn a decent living?” she questions.

Not a means of protest

Narayanamma is one of the five women auto drivers who are part of The Pink Auto campaign. The others are B. Radhika, J. Umadevi, B. Kumari and P. Navatha. This campaign isn’t a sign of protest but the beginning of a safe drive for women commuters. Pink it is called, but the autos aren’t pink for a practical reason and for the fact that these women don’t want to be differentiated.

These five women auto drivers are learning the tricks of the trade but they aren’t living in fear. They each have a story to tell and “each of us have taken the bold step to make a difference to ourselves and our families. We definitely attract a lot of onlookers but that gives a sense of pride,” says B. Radhika.

“It gives us an opportunity to show that we can. I manage the house, I have children and I like what I am doing. I am yet to be a pro but I can manage. No passenger will have a reason to complain with us because, Vaada the organisation has given us tamper free meters, and we are looking to start business in an honest way,” adds P. Navatha.

For now these five women are taking baby steps. “We mostly ferry passengers in and around the locality. We are making sure to see that we are capable of this task,” says J. Umadevi.

Safety first

They are a means of safe travel for women commuters, but what about their own safety? Who takes care of their safe travel and how do they get saved from being bullied on the streets? “Keep a stern but pleasant face. Our attitude on the road matters and we have been equipped with tracking system and SOS alarms for our own safety. Vaadaa organisation is making sure they keep their promise for us and for the people on the road,” sums up V. Narayanamma.