MNS puts women in driving seats of Mumbai cabs
Hundred women to enter the male-dominated profession
Women have conquered almost every conceivable domain so far reserved for men and, come Monday, a hundred women will enter the hitherto closed profession of taxi drivers in Mumbai, courtesy the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The occasion is the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, who pioneered girls’ education in Maharashtra in the 19th century and spent her life for the empowerment of women. The MNS is planning to celebrate the anniversary by facilitating grant of learning licences to the hundred chosen women candidates.
The initiative will be formally launched by MNS chief Raj Thackeray and his wife Sharmila.
So far, the job of a taxi driver had been almost exclusively held by men and considered a taboo for women due to the hassles and physical strain. Although there is a women cab service in Mumbai, it is reserved for women passengers only.
MNS vice-president Shalini Thackeray took the initiative in helping uneducated or less educated women, who otherwise cannot stand on their feet due to lack of opportunities, to be trained as drivers.
The party, in association with Veera Driving Academy of Andheri, has chalked out a two-month training programme that will impart driving as well as vehicle maintenance to women. They will also be taught mannerism and ways to communicate with passengers.
The MNS will also try to get them jobs in established cab services like Meru Cab once they complete their training and obtain permanent licences. The training begins on January 5, Shalini Thackeray said.
