Hi there, I’m Aarti, your chauffeur.

I have been driving Sakha Cabs for 4 years, navigating both the city streets and life’s twists and turns.

In a society where women are usually confined to the passenger seat, my choice to drive professionally is a statement – it’s about breaking free from norms to empower myself and become independent. Apart from driving safely, I am also skilled in handling car technicalities, handling all customer needs efficiently and more. Currently, I am working as a bus driver with a reputed school.

Taking control of the wheel means more than just steering the cab – its about steering my own life. I have faced doubts and hesitations, but I’ve managed to overcome the same and defy the norms that confine women indoors after dark. I can now work confidently through the day and also the night.

My dream is to build my own house and help in building a community that does not discriminate on the basis of gender. I hope that my experience inspires other women, helping them to break through the barriers and lead a life of equality and dignity.

I live in Khadar with my family. My eldest sister was the first to take on work as a driver with Sakha. She is now a trainer, teaching other women to drive with Azad. In January, she will be traveling to Hungary to train and work as a trailer driver. She has been an inspiration for all four of us who are now standing strong and independent. I am also hoping to follow her suit and go to work as a trailer driver in Europe.

Hello, I’m Anjana, your driver.

Originally from Hathras, in Uttar Pradesh, I moved to Delhi after an early marriage at the age of 17. Life turned dark as I experienced severe domestic violence, a story familiar to many women. But I refused to be a victim. I stood up against the perpetrator (my husband) and now at the age of 39, I lead a violence free life, a life with dignity with my three kids.

Driving has empowered me to support my family and give my children the best. I have been working with Sakha for 12 years. As a Team Leader, I’ve proudly led a team of eight other women drivers. Behind the wheels, I’ve shed my fears that once clouded my mind. And I help other women drivers do the same. Driving for me therefore is not just work; it’s about breaking norms and defying stereotypes.

In March 2018, I was honored as a “Gender Equality Champion” by the Multiple Action research Group, The British High Commission in India and the Centre of Social Equity and Social Inclusion. This recognition isn’t just for me; it’s for every woman who dares to dream and does something about it.

I was amongst the first women drivers in Sakha to obtain a heavy vehicle license and be trained to drive a DTC bus. These milestones represent not just my victories but the victories of every woman breaking barriers.

Hello, I’m Babli and I am excited to be your driver today.

I’ve been a resident of Delhi for over two decades, though originally, I am from Bihar. I live with my brothers. I support the education of my younger brother and medical expenses for my older brother. I am also very proud in having taken charge of arranging marriages for my two younger sisters. My parents, who were in Delhi until a few years ago, now live in our native village in Bihar.

My journey as a driver began in 2015. Apart from driving, I am also a Team Leader in Sakha, proudly leading a team of 10 skilled women drivers. Defying social norms was not easy, it required determination and resilience, which I have in plenty.

Driving to places outside Delhi, like Panipat, Jaipur etc. has enriched my understanding of life. Today, I am not deterred by day or night. I embrace every road, known or unknown. My performance earned me the opportunity to travel to Hungary with my company. Experiencing a different culture and learning to drive a trailer was very exciting and memorable for me.

I have inspired another approximately 20 women from my community to take up driving. Behind the wheels, I feel an incredible sense of freedom. This profession has earned me respect in my parents’ eyes. They see me as someone who is capable of taking care of the whole family and a role model for other women.

I’m not just driving a vehicle; I’m steering my life, paving a path for women to chase their own dreams and achieve independence.

Hi, I’m Beby, your driver.

My love for driving started with a fascination for the open road and a desire for independence. Learning to drive wasn’t just a skill; it gave me freedom and a chance to explore.

I’ve been driving with Sakha for 5 years now, and it’s been an incredible journey. Being behind the wheel brought me excitement and a sense of being self-reliant.

It wasn’t easy, though. I faced fears and worked hard to improve my driving. On top of that, I got married early and became a proud mom recently. Balancing these responsibilities took resilience. I’m proud that I can support my family financially, especially in a society where daughters are often seen as burdens after marriage.

Looking back, Driving has given me more than just the ability to travel. It’s given me freedom, strength, and a continuous journey of self-discovery.

To fulfill her dreams, she chose the path of commercial driving. She worked sincerely for some time, but one day, due to an accident, she got home late from duty.

As soon as she reached home, the atmosphere changed. Her brother not only scolded her but also raised his hand. He strictly told her that she would no longer be allowed to work—especially not night shifts.

This was a very difficult time for Bindu — on one hand were her dreams, and on the other were the restrictions imposed by her family. But at this crucial moment, Azad and Sakha stood strongly by her side. They spoke with her and her family, helped them understand, and gave Bindu the strength to carry on.

Bindu didn’t give up. She decided she would continue working—but now through private placement.

Today, Bindu is working through a private placement with one of our clients for INR15000 salary. She is known as a responsible, dedicated, and skilled driver. This August, she will complete one full year at her placement.

And the most beautiful part — Bindu is not only building her own life but is also helping her younger sister pursue a nursing course, supporting her in every way she can.

Bindu is now a true example — for every woman who chooses to face challenges head-on instead of backing down.

Empowering women like Bindu and helping them become self-reliant is our mission

Damini is a truck driver at Baton Transport who drives on the borders of Germany and France. Her last earned salary is 1.94Lacs which was almost a dream for her few months ago. Today she proudly plans her future to continue her studies and purchase a house in her name in 2 years. Her today’s status is not a dream come true with any miracle happened all of sudden.

Her journey started with Azad and Sakha from 2019. An elder daughter born to a family of 6 with 4 siblings was full of responsibilities to handle as an elder daughter taking care of siblings and helping mother in her core household work. Shen could not continue her education due to lack of funds to educate all kids in the family. Father was the only earning person. After joining Azad for Women with Wheels program, she gained the confidence to travel outside the colony. Being a quick learner completed her training and joined Sakha Cabs in 2021. Beyond the thrill of the open road, driving profession is a means of financial support for her family, and the pride in achievements. Damini a confident driver has been favourite to many clients. She enjoyed driving clients to their destination and also was enthusiastic to learn new routes and exploring new cities as a part of her profession. Her clients also included foreign diplomats during my work with the Canadian Embassy. This experience has not only honed her driving skills but also boosted her confidence to communicate in English. Today she has passed 7 exams in English and own and international driving licence from Europe.

Her hard work and dedication has taken her to the positing she is in today. Despite facing scepticism and sarcasm from those surprised to see a woman behind the wheel, she stands tall, confronting them with confidence. Driving has empowered her to shatter societal norms and stereotypes. Those who once questioned her decision to pursue driving now seek her guidance for routes and various applications. Beyond the roads, driving has fuelled her dreams of building my own house. It has given her the strength to declare to her family that she will only marry once she achieves this significant milestone. Her journey is not just about driving; it’s a narrative of breaking barriers, embracing independence, and standing tall in the face of societal expectations.

With her successful driving story now her younger sister who is going through a troubled marriage also willing to learn driving with Azad enrolling to Women with Wheels program and eventually work in Europe in the long run.

Damini stands strong and role model to other women drivers to dream high and work hard towards achieving the dream. One or the other day it will come true.

Hi. My name is Deepali and I am your driver for today.

I reside with my family in Tis Hazari area in Delhi. My father is a sanitation worker and my mother performs household duties. When I was studying in Class 5th, I was forced to drop out of school due to regular harassment on the streets, which was considered a threat to my family’s honor. As I continued my informal education at a non-profit organisation, I was asked which skill I wanted to learn. To
everyone’s surprise, my response was ‘driving’. One of my teachers told me that I would not be able to obtain a driving license, let alone become a professional driver. His skepticism fueled a commitment in me to prove him wrong.

Although the journey of becoming a Sakha driver has been challenging, my learnings and personal transformation far outweigh them. The same family members and neighbours who used to say- ‘ड्रा इविं ग सी खने से बहुत ज़बा न चलने लगी है’ (You have started talking back a lot after learning driving), now have faith in me, motivate me to do better and seek my opinion. They now applaud my success and have become
advocates for encouraging other women in our community as well to take on non-traditional work such as driving.

I am proud that I chose a different kind of livelihood and I look forward to working hard to make all my dreams come true.

There was a time when Deepti used to hesitate to even step outside the threshold of her home. Quiet by nature, she didn’t speak much — even her dreams were tucked away in a corner of her heart. But it was her younger sister Kajal who showed her a new path.

Kajal received training from the Azad Foundation and then started working as a responsible rider through Sakha. Kajal’s hard work and courage not only transformed her own life but also sparked a new ray of hope in Deepti’s heart.

For a few months, Deepti watched her sister leave for work every day — managing household responsibilities, cooking for their parents, and returning each evening with fresh determination. Deepti thought, “If Kajal can do it, why can’t I?”

One day, Deepti decided to learn how to ride a scooter. Gradually, her hesitation faded, and today Deepti is a Rapido rider.

The burden of debt that once weighed on their parents’ shoulders is now being repaid by the two sisters together. There’s no longer fear of financial hardship at home, because Deepti and Kajal have taken charge of their family’s well-being.

Deepti, who was once silent and reserved, now rides confidently through the streets — not just for herself, but for every woman who has ever been forced to bury her dreams.

This is not just Deepti’s story — it is the story of every sisterhood that holds each other’s hand and moves forward together in life.

Hi, I’m Geeta, your driver.

I have been driving now for 11 years, a woman behind wheels, navigating not just the bustling city roads but also life’s twists and turns. Each journey I undertake is a testament to my passion for driving. I discovered my love for driving, 12 years ago, a rebellious act against the societal norms that confine women to passenger seats at best, or mostly within their homes. Fast forward to today, and I am not just a driver, I am also a Team Leader in Sakha and a trainer for all new drivers who come into Sakha. I am also handling technical responsibilities such as getting fitness permits renewed for all our cabs, dealing with Transport offices all on my own.

Being behind the wheels has given me a sense of freedom and control, on my life, and within my family and community. I’ve faced challenges and skepticism but overcoming them has fueled my determination and helped me grow stronger as a person. My commitment to safety and excellence sets the standard, proving that gender has no bearing on one’s ability to navigate the roads responsibly.

Beyond the mechanics of driving, my journey is about inspiring others. I take pride in being a role model for young women aspiring to break free from stereotypes. Through my experiences, I aim to reshape perceptions and encourage more women to embrace the driver’s seat.

In a world that sometimes questions a woman’s place on the road, I confidently accelerate, knowing that every mile I drive is a step towards equality. My story is not just about driving; it’s about steering my own path and encouraging others to do the same.

Kashish started her driving career in 2024. She lives in Jahangirpuri, a large settlement colony in North Delhi, along with her two brothers and family. From being a shy young woman who did not venture out of her home alone, Kashish today traverses city roads in day and night without any fear. Her family is proud of her achievements and supports her to realise her dreams. She recognizes the need to speak out for one’s rights. She dreams of building her own home one day.

Hello, I am Khushi, your driver today.

I belong to Jhansi and now have been living in Delhi with my five siblings. My family was deeply in debt, and we had no choice but to migrate to Delhi in Jan 2009 for better scope of earning. I joined Azad Foundation in October 2009, as a trainee in the Women with Wheels program. Earlier I had taken a diploma in beautician & embroidery work and also worked as a house help for my sustenance. But it
was not helping me earn well. When I joined Azad, I completed my training diligently and got my permanent license in six months.

Soon after that I received my first employment opportunity through Sakha in 2010, and I worked with the client for over two years. Then, I joined Sakha commercial cabs in 2012, where I worked till 2017 as a cab driver. Through these experiences I discovered a newfound confidence, a sense of empowerment that came to me as I embraced the challenges head-on. Being the eldest in the family, I always felt a sense of responsibility for supporting my parents. I started funding my younger siblings’ education and supported them in building their careers. This has given me a sense of gratification. It was possible only with my contribution from this job.

Since July 2017, I have been associated with Azad Foundation as a Driving Faculty (trainer). Today, I am very excited to share that I have been chosen to drive trailer trucks in Hungary, Europe. My life is filled with limitless possibilities today.

Hi, I am Kiran, your driver.

For nine years, I’ve navigated the city’s streets, smoothly cruising past the challenges of both rough roads and stereotypical mindsets. Every day in the driver’s seat reminds me of the carefree life that driving has given me, fueling my passion and making me more determined to continue growing in my life.

It was not always so for me. Married early, I experience severe domestic violence, confined, almost shackled inside my home. I had to finally come back to my parent’s home. I met with my cousin sister and friends who were learning to be drivers with Azad Foundation. I decided to follow them. This rebellious choice transformed me completely. From being someone who could not utter a word, today I communicate with confidence. I am a skilled chauffeur and also handle technical responsibilities such as obtaining cab permits and liaising with transport office authorities.

Controlling the wheels empowers me, radiating within me a sense of independence. My dedication to safe driving has earned me compliments and appreciation from customers, which I cherish. I am currently driving a mobile school bus for an NGO working with street children.

The determination and confidence that I’ve gathered behind the wheel have not only shaped my life but also inspired other women in my community. With each smooth turn on uneven paths, I drive towards a new dawn of my life, where I know I have left the dark shadows far behind.

Hi, I am Lalita, your driver today.

I am a resident of Madanpur Khadar, Delhi and have six siblings. We faced severe financial crises that forced me to drop out of the education system. My journey of self-transformation started when I joined Azad as a trainee (with the Women with Wheels) in 2011. I completed my training in six months and got a job as a chauffeur through private placement in Sakha. I worked with a client for two years, and then worked with Sakha commercial cabs for four years. While doing this job, I was able to complete my studies and acquired a Masters degree through distance learning mode.

I also gained enormous confidence that helped me to navigate through all twists & turns in life. I was able to restore our house that had been earlier mortgaged by my Father at a time of economic crisis. I was able to pay the loan amount, through my earnings. My Father who was once reluctant to send me for training, now feels proud of me and says that being a daughter I was able to help him get his house back, and is filled with gratitude.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Bangkok, where I shared my journey of transformation. Since 2018, I have been working with Azad as a Driving Faculty. This truly exhilarates me and I am equally thrilled to share that as my next venture, I will be soon going to Hungary to train and work as a trailer truck driver in Europe.

I am humbled and grateful that life has given me all these opportunities and despite all the challenges that I faced earlier, I am now able to experience a sense of power and courage within me. I have not just transformed my own life but have also encouraged my siblings to do the same, and inspired many women from my community to do the same.

Hi, I’m Naina, your driver today.

I live in Bhalaswa in Delhi with my 5 siblings and parents. My mother is engaged in patient care and my father is a confectioner. I always had a desire to learn driving. When I was in my training with Azad, I would finish up all household chores to be able to make it in time for my classes. After learning to drive, I was thrilled to clear my driving license test in the first attempt.

In my journey to become a driver at Sakha, I have acquired valuable life skills such as self-defence, professional communication, and the ability to face challenging situations on the road like changing flat tires. These skills have given me the confidence and ability to navigate public spaces safely without any fear or anxiety.

I have achieved many milestones in my journey as a professional driver. I successfully negotiated with my family members to share household chores equally, thus easing my burden. I have conquered my fear of stepping out alone. When I went for night duty for the first time, I was terrified and started crying. Now, I go to distant places and take on night shifts as well. I am no longer scared of being on the road.

This journey has brought me closer to realizing my ambitions. I had always wanted to ride a bike and bought one for myself recently with my own earnings.

Hi, I am Neha, your driver for today.

I live with my 4 siblings and mother in Delhi. My father used to own a cab and made a living by renting it to a driver. My family went through very difficult times after my father passed away due to jaundice when I was 5. We survived on odd jobs for many years.

The longing to take charge of my life and do something that could better my family’s situation kept growing inside me over the years. An opportunity came knocking at my door with Azad and Sakha’s empowering program Women with Wheels. Initially, my brother was against the idea of me training to become a driver as he was worried that I might face challenges on the road. But with my sister’s support, I persevered.

I joined Sakha as a driver in January this year, which is the first job of my life. I have undergone a transformative journey, acquiring knowledge, learning to use GPS navigation, figuring out city routes and gaining better skills for professional communication. It fills me with pride when people in my neighbourhood recognise and appreciate me as a Sakha driver.

My mother is proud to see me confidently stand on my own feet, shouldering responsibilities and making decisions for our household. I am happy that I no longer have to depend on others and am neither scared of the outside world as I used to be earlier.

At Sakha, I learn something new every day. When I took on night duty for 6 months, I was initially hesitant because there were a lot of low-lit areas and heavy vehicles on the road. However, at Sakha, we approach our work with a mindset to overcome any challenges that come our way and I came out better prepared to confidently navigate roads at any time of the day or night from this experience.

Hi, I’m Omkari, your driver for today.

My association with driving started in October 2010, when I joined Azad Foundation as a trainee, and got my permanent driving license upon successful completion the very next year. Sakha placed me as a private chauffeur with a customer where I worked for four long years and learnt a lot as I gained experience in driving. I then moved to working as a commercial chauffeur with Sakha Cabs, and since
July 2017, I have been working with Azad, as a Training Faculty. I now teach driving to other women and help them become fearless and independent as I have become.

Over the years, I have gained a lot of self-confidence, and become self-reliant. I started taking financial responsibility for my family. I have four children, 3 daughters and 1 son. With my first salary, I got my daughter admitted to an English medium school; then I decided to get my house renovated. Then gradually I bought a flat with my own savings. Now I have a new home, I bought a plot of land and have constructed three stories. I feel that I have gained everything that I ever wanted in my life. My life has been completely changed forever.

The bustling streets of Delhi, where chaos and opportunity coexist, I found my path on the road less traveled. Born into a world that often dictated limits for women, Azad and Sakha have given us a world which makes you understand the meaning of freedom and independence.

Hi, I am Rajkumari, your driver.

When I was young, I could see only men and boys driving vehicles. I was intrigued and wanted to learn it too. But due to my family’s financial situation, I couldn’t afford private driving training. I live with my family of 11 members in Swaroop Vihar in Delhi. My father works as a librarian in a private school.

When I got to know about Azad Foundation and Sakha’s driving training and livelihood initiative, I knew I had to join. I joined Azad Foundation before the COVID pandemic to learn driving but due to the lockdown and mounting financial crisis, I had to drop out of the training and take up a job packing parcels for an e-commerce company. When I decided to join back after a few years, my family opposed my decision of leaving a decent job to learn driving.

As I progressed from training to becoming a professional driver, I observed a significant transformation in my family’s attitude towards my chosen profession. Their disapproving taunts have given way to expressions of happiness and pride, with my parents confidently flaunting my skills and achievements to relatives.

For me, Sakha is more than a job—it’s a journey of growth and continuous learning. Every ride is an opportunity to meet new people and explore new places. It has given me a newfound confidence and self-esteem. I feel like I have climbed the first step of my destiny and am ready to move on to the next driving buses.

Hi, I am Rajrani, your driver.

I belong to Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh. I was the youngest in my parental family and eldest in my in-law’s family. My life was very challenging. I was married at the age of 16, soon after completing class tenth. Then, I gave birth to twin sons. My life got confined to home.

My life took an unexpected turn when I decided to join Azad foundation as a trainee in December 2015. Through the training sessions at Azad I learnt a lot in communication skills, gained confidence that enabled me to navigate through difficult situations in life and also on roads.

I got my first placement with Sakha in 2017 and began working for a client. I worked for more than two years after which I got the opportunity to join Azad as a Training Faculty. I have overcome difficult economic and social challenges. From being someone who could not step out of her home alone, I am now adept at going anywhere, doing anything and handling any situation that comes my way. In 2020, when riots engulfed Delhi, I had the courage to get on the road and reach out to our colleagues who were in danger. During the pandemic, I was unafraid of going out to communities to help distribute rations.

Through the earning from this profession, my lifestyle, attire, my perspective, vision and my whole life has undergone a transformation. Today my in-laws praise me. I am proud of my struggle that even though I couldn’t acquire higher educational qualifications, I have still been able to find a satisfying job that helps me earn my livelihood and contribute to my family.

Hello, I’m your driver Reeta.

I joined Azad Foundation, when I was living with my parents in Jahangirpuri Delhi. Becoming a cab driver was easier back then. My sister, who was already a Sakha cab driver had motivated me to join. Now she has gone to Hungary to work with Baton Transport as a trailer driver.

My family was supporting me to take on this work. But then I got married and things changed. My in-laws didn’t like my job choice. However, after talking to them, my mother-in-law agreed, as long as I handle household chores before and after work. Balancing my job and home became tough and I couldn’t work till late in the evening. So, I wake up early to finish chores before leaving. It’s tough, but I am okay with it. Sometimes achieving one’s dreams means sacrificing on some rest; and that’s a choice I have made for my driving job. I believe things will change at home over time, as I have seen it happen with my other colleagues.

My husband works as an accountant with a transport company and earns well. But contributing my share brings me happiness. Since my husband supports my dreams, I want to reciprocate. We’re partners, after all. The satisfaction I get from driving comes from proving that women can be good drivers.

Choosing driving as a profession is not just by chance. I too want to change this idea and become a role model for many girls who can find inspiration in me.

Hello, I’m Renu, your chauffeur.

It’s been around 5 years that I have been behind the wheels, not just maneuvering through the twisting roads but also through the ups and downs of life.

Around 6 years ago I decided to make driving a part of my life without knowing how it would become a life-altering experience for me. I had not imagined that learning to drive would become an act of rebellion against societal norms. I became aware of the deep seated gender discrimination in our society and have resolved to do my best to fight for equality.

Today, I am not just a skilled driver. I am also confident and able to handle technical jobs of cars, dealing with the transport department officials all by myself and many more. I am currently driving a mobile school bus for an NGO working with street children.

My journey behind the wheels has been of a person, who harboured inexplicable fears about the unknown routes to a poised chauffeur, who loves to explore new and different roads. With each passing day, as I mastered my driving skills, I was able to overcome my own challenges like hesitation and self-doubts. To the extent that I am now all set to travel to Hungary, to train and work as a trailer driver in Europe. I am looking forward to that experience.

Just as driving has been a liberating experience for me, I want to inspire other women to break free from stereotypes of the society and come forward to establish their own identity. I want to encourage women to come out of the confines of their homes and a life of dependency to savour the taste of what it means to be independent, just like I have done.

Roopa has studied upto class X and currently lives in Khadar in a large joint family. Roopa had to convince her family to allow her to take the training to become a professional driver. Now that she is one, she has become a role model in her community. Roopa feels proud of the work she is doing, that makes her independent. A survivor of violence, Roopa believes in challenging violence against women and sees this as a denial of women’s basic rights. Economic independence for her means that she can sustain her court case for divorce, look after her own health and contribute to her family’s welfare. Roopa intends to pursue higher studies.

Hi, I’m Varsha, your driver!

In my early growing up years, I was mainly occupied by household chores – as how a society and my family expects a woman to be. Even my mother didn’t have big dreams for me and doubted my abilities to do anything else. However, within the monotony of the daily routine, a dream sparked in me – a desire for something more, a craving for freedom and an extraordinary life.

It’s been two years now since I became a woman driver. Every challenge on this journey, every doubtful look I received, fueled my determination to do something different. I remember my mother saying, “This job isn’t for you; you’re good at household chores. Training as a driver is a waste of time.” My brother doubted, “You’re too short; who will hire you as a driver?” But now, their appreciation and happiness bring me ultimate joy. The wheels I control carry not just a vehicle’s weight but also the weight of breaking conventional expectations.

Reflecting on my journey and being considered a blessing in my family is an incredible feeling. I recall telling my mom that she could stop working as a domestic helper, assuring her it was time to rest. As the main provider, I took on the responsibility of caring for my siblings’ needs. I could only study till 10th grade, but both my siblings have gone to college and are now employed. Today, I’ve rented a flat in a decent part of Delhi, and I aspire to buy our own home one day.

From what people expected of me to becoming a driver who is not afraid of exploring roads even in the darkest part of the city at nights I keep going on, showing that determination can change destinies. I want every woman to feel inspired and challenge norms, overcome obstacles, and follow their dreams.