Four women auto drivers hit road in Kukatpally

Kukatpally: Life for four women who were working as maids took a dramatic turn on Sunday, as they switched the household work for the wheel, thanks to Dhairya Foundation that facilitated the switch.

Bahenwal Anita, Polle Kavita, Mamdala Vijaya and Vasa Nandini, the beneficiaries were also taught self-defence techniques. "We have trained them for two months from basic traffic signal classes to practical auto-driving on roads and everyone has attained permanent license in no time and glad to launch their services on women's day," said Tindu Nikhat, co-founder, Dhairya Foundation."

"Our primary objective is to make women independent. We provide free training. They would be able to earn Rs 500 daily," said Prassana Dommu, Founder, Dhairya Foundation.

Bahenwal Anita

Bahenwal Anita belongs to a basti near Osmania University, her husband's income kept fluctuating and then she had to choose domestic work. Volunteers of Dhairya encouraged her to do something better to support her husband.

"Support of my husband is tremendous in choosing auto-driving as my profession. I'm also learning how to drive a car and soon I shall become a cab driver," said Bahenwal Anita.

Mamdala Vijaya

Mamdala Vijaya, 38, resides in Nandhi Nagar has two sons who are married. Her husband motivated her become an auto-driver. "I wanted to do something different rather than being a domestic worker. My area of work would be from City Center to Banjara Hills," said Mamdala Vijaya

Polle Kavita

Polle Kavita, 28, resident of Durganagar, Amberpet has the responsibility of taking care of her sister's four children. Her husband died a few years ago.

"I wish to work from Ambarpet to Dilshuknagar every day in the morning and evening. Two daughters are married and have two sons one from 9th standard and other one pursuing Intermediate and earning are being spent on them," said Polle Kavitha.

Nandhini Vasa

Nandhini Vasa, 23, an unmarried woman resides in Amman Vedhika women's shelter in Namalagundu.

"My dream has come true today. My area of work is Secunderabad to Warasiguda. I also got my permanent license too," said Nandini Vasa.