Do you know how many women drive cabs in US? 12.7% .
And in New York? 1% .
India, Egypt and other countries around the world are promoting women in the industry and more women are beginning to accept this career option.
Do you know why stats are so poor?
I know of the stereotype that women cannot drive but that’s not the reason. The transport industry is male dominated for the conditions in which the drivers have to work. Drunk unruly passengers, unknown areas, night shifts and a hostile peer group – none easy to handle.
However, safety of women in the hands of women led to the idea of promoting women into the industry. On one hand, it empowers women to take up this career option and on the other, women who travel alone feel safer being driven by a female. A win-win situation.
In countries where women do not step out in public spaces to take up work opportunities, being a woman cab driver is a first progressive step. Once women start bringing earnings home and show signs of financial independence, males start accepting them as equal partners.
In India, many non-profit organizations are taking upon to push the stats. Women on Wheels has trained dozens of women from weaker socio-economic background. They train women on English, self-defense, CPR, communication skills, and help them to get their first driver’s licence.
Another way to look at poor stats is to see it as an opportunity and I am happy that the available potential is being tapped. Giving power of money in the hands of those women who never had a chance to step out or be their own queens will bring in autonomy and economic power.
I never had a chance to be driven by a woman cab driver. How about you?
I am blogging from A to Z during April and the theme I have chosen is set on women. I am also a minion on co-host Pam’s Unconventional Alliance along with Claire, Shalini and Rajlakshmi. Visit us, show us some love and don’t leave without sharing your thoughts.
happiness and food 
Can’t say I’ve had a female cab driver, but around here, not many cabs are needed. Small town life lends to needing your own vehicle or walking. I can definitely understand the benefits your post describes. Great advantages for women who can be independent.
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Once I booked a meru cab, and they sent a meru eve cab. Meru eve is the category of meru that is driven by women. The driver, I forgot her name, was a very talkative young lady. She must be in her early twenties, was forced to marry a guy because she was in live with a guy of lower caste (some of us prefer being in 14th century..huh!), and was getting a divorce very soon. Her husband used to beat her up. In fact, she reached her threshold of tolerance when her brother-in-law slapped her. It was a very relaxing ride. With a male driver, I make sure to keep my guard up at all times; a woman driving the cab proved to be a refreshing change. I would have liked for her to talk a little less, though. But, it was okay!
When we are talking about women drivers, I would like to say that I do not share or encourage the common belief of people that women drive bad. I have witnessed a lot of men making the exact same mistake that women are often accused of, and that doesn’t set a preconceived notion about all men. Of course, there is no point discussing the prevailed prejudices against women all the time.
@Ankifreesoul from
No Agenda Just Life
Million Shades of Life
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Though I have not yet had the chance to be driven by a women taxi, I think the basic problem is with the attitudes and stereotypes who feel that women are not great drivers or are very slow etc. etc. This needs to change and hopefully one day women taxi drivers would be commonplace than what is the case today.
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I’m glad to see more women breaking into previously male dominated industries. It may be hard, but it’s worth it! It’s great to give women more opportunities to live the lives they choose. Always hoping more people can find ways to improve their lives and happiness.
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I’ve never had a woman cab driver, either. Not that I’d mind, I’m sure.
I used to deliver pizza when I was young. People frequently commented on it, feeling it wasn’t a safe job for women. In my head, I always answered with how the world isn’t safe for women…but I never said it aloud. I never had a bad experience. If anything, I think I earned more than the men at my job.
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During my recent visit to Mumbai, I had to leave for the airport at 4 am. So, my friend booked a Priyadarshini Cab. It is a cab service by women for women mostly, but they do take male passengers too. My cab driver was a smart girl of not more than 22-23. Really admired her driving skills and professional approach. May her tribe increase and more women are self sufficient and empowered.
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I have never been driven by a woman can driver, but allowing women to step into this male dominated industry is a welcome step.
What I was amazed to note that in a developed country like US too the stats are alarmingly low. Maybe, countries like India can bring about the change we all hope for.
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Women not being good drivers is just an outdated generic stereotype.
One of the main positives which you have mentioned is this puts the money firmly back in the hands of the woman for work she has done, something that is still a major issue sadly even in modern India.
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Not sure how many people are even aware of it.. but a year or so back, Meru launched limited cab service called Meru pink. It had a stream of pink cars driven by Women drivers for women passengers. However I think the intiative didnt pick up and died a natural death. I wish it had it would empower not only women but would also meake passengers feel safe in a women driven cab in a city such as delhi.
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I would think it would be a safety reason that would prevent some women from driving a cab rather than an issue with their driving abilities. That would be my reason not to drive one. I haven’t been in a cab in years, but every time I was, it was a male driver.
good luck with the rest of the challenge 🙂
betty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/
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The first time I had a woman cab driver was in DUBAI ! Apparently this is quite common and families prefer being driven by a female cabbie. This lady was from India and stayed back to drive because her husband was laid off and had to return home.
BTW, I couldn’t share this link on Twitter because it seems you don’t follow my twitter feed? At least that was the message I got. First time this has happened. But not to worry, I shared this post on Google+
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The stats are so skewed Parul. Just so unfair!Wonder what is the inside story? Why is this occupation Being taken up by more women? In Mumbai there are a few women auto drivers and even a stray one or two bus drivers. There are dial a cab services exclusively run by women but they haven’t become too popular.
Time this changed. Thanks for sharing Women On Wheels.
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
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I have been driven in some. In Mumbai we had these Radio Cabs driven by women and when I wastravelling alone with the kids I kind of felt safer coming home with them. I even spotted a rare woman auto-driver once. It’s a huge step forward .
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I’ve heard that New York cab drivers are a breed apart. Great to know that a woman broke into the circle.
I’ve never been in a cab driven by a woman either.
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It would be great with more woman cabbies and no I havent been driven by one, ever. I would definitely feel safer. Great post Parul. Also on my recent visit to Blr I heard something about transgender cabbies too, dunno if that initiative worked at all.
http://www.sunilavigauthor.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/dadheechi-or-dadhyanga-for-alphabet-d.html
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It feels so great when such action steps are taken by women. Things are changing in India as well, but it will a great amount of time to completely bring equality in this field.
Loved reading Parul 🙂
Cheers
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I want to atleast once in my life be driven by a women cab driver. I have not even seen a women cab driver here. I think it’s a brilliant move that would make women more safer at night. Plus more employment for women too 🙂
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
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What a coincidence … I posted mine on unusual occupations where I have featured a woman cab driver from priyadarshini cabs in mumbai. I visit mumbai every once in a while and I insist on Priyadarshini cabs . The driver who drives me and I got to be friends and eventually i decided to feature her for D – Driver of city taxi.
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I too haven’t had the chance to meet a female cab driver. I really wonder how they manage the stress and difficulties of the job. It just goes to show that women are strong, in ways that none of us can yet fathom!
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I haven’t met a female cab driver – yet. But I am hopeful that this will change soon. Great post, as usual, Parul. 🙂
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Woman cabbie? Never. If I do, I’d definitely take her autograph 🙂
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I would get a picture with her and get it to my Women At Work feature 🙂
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Female cab drivers are rare, even in North America. I had a friend from high school who became a cab driver. She was quite successful and bought her own car.
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Wow! Good to know about your friend. 🙂
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One of the few.
I keep trying to share your posts to Twitter, but it won’t let me! Says I can’t because you’re not following me, even though I know you are. Sorry about that. I asked their support about it, but Twitter does not reply to problem enquiries, apparently, Thanks for sharing mine.
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It’s cos D is probably some code for Twitter. Don’t worry about it. many faced that issue.
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Thanks for that insight! I removed the “D” and it did go through. Yay!
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Good news for women, even though I have not met a woman cab driver, but I see this as positive encouragement for women who know and want to drive.. thanks for sharing !
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Never had the chance of being driven by a woman driver myself and I cant imagine how amazing that journey would be – conversation wise 🙂
Seeing more women drivers would be like a visual cue to a lot of men [ and women] out there of how women can fit in traditionally male dominated fields.
The other day I read about a post of all women crew flying a craft and I couldn’t believe there were women commenting negatively on it [ about it not being such a big deal].
This thing is , its imp to see and read about these small steps towards an equal world. Both women and men need to see that’s possible and natural.
one of the most articulate posts so far from you on the theme.
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Nope. Not yet, Parul. Haven’t seen a female cab driver yet. Female drivers have the reputation of being bad drivers, but male drivers are equally bad, some of them. It’s a good initiative. Strange, how I never noticed these stats before.
– Chicky @ http://www.mysteriouskaddu.com
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