Meet Sathyavani, a single mother and a professional auto driver in Chennai who made a choice that would enable her to support her daughters. Finally, it was actually behind an autorickshaw handle where she ultimately found her way.

She was abandoned by her husband for giving birth to three daughters which left her at crossroads.

She had to choose between the socially accepted occupation of tailoring for females and for choosing for the job of an auto driver. Auto has become the love of her life. It provides her with sufficient earnings for sustenance. Gave her identity and helped in building social capital.

Initially, she joined tailoring after she was deserted by her husband as she joined for a skill development course provided by the Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation.

Her mother pushed her to do something out of the way and joined driving classes so to join the job of an auto driver. Many of the women were not able to take up the occupation because of the pressure at home from society. She finally took to the streets of Chennai. Most of the passengers viewed her respectfully while some regarded that a woman stepping out after sundown as a violation of the folkways and norms of society.

'There were instances when men got into her auto and played porn on their mobiles making sure they have my attention. There was also a time when I dropped a man at a lodge in Pallavaram and he tried to force me to get inside his room,' recollects Sathyavani.

Teenagers or men in their early twenties are always approaching her for seeking information about sex workers. She was able in managing such issues and deals with such people calmly so to avoid any physical abuse coming from them on her.

She later built a Whatsapp Group around 200 women riders. They help each other out of difficult situations, listen to each other and help women take up this profession.

She has stood as an example that women don't have to bend over backward to make a decent livelihood. This occupation gets you to decide your own work rules and timing which is especially important for women especially those with children.

She reaches out to women who need rescue and rehabilitation. Amid the sweltering heat, one would find Sathyavani on the roads ready to take on a journey. She will continue to do her job as long as her physical self allows her to do so.

Despite the challenges thrown her way, Sathyavani continues to maintain her poise. She has set out an example that women need not necessarily require the backing of male authority to find success. They can find their route themselves.

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Reference:

• newsindianexpress.com