The Inspiring Story of Uttarakhand’s Women Taxi Drivers

Uttarakhand’s Women Taxi Drivers Take the Wheel!

In the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, known for its breathtaking landscapes and winding roads, a quiet revolution is underway. Forget the old stereotypes – here, women are taking the wheel and challenging the male-dominated field of taxi driving. These are the stories of Rekha Pandey, Mamta Joshi, and Mamta Pujari, three inspiring women who are redefining success on their own terms.

Pioneering taxi driver Mamta Poojari trains aspiring women drivers, paving the path for a more inclusive transportation industry in Uttarakhand. (HT Photo)

When her husband's illness threatened her family's well-being, Rekha Pandey, a double MA and LLB graduate, defied societal norms and took up taxi driving.

In a remarkable feat, Mamta Joshi has become the first female taxi driver in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand.

Remember the old saying, “A woman’s place is in the home”? Well, these three remarkable women from Uttarakhand are rewriting the script!

For generations, women have been stereotyped as symbols of patience and confined to the domestic sphere. But in the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand, where roads wind through remote areas, a revolution is brewing. Women are taking the wheel, challenging the male-dominated field of taxi driving.

Meet Rekha Pandey, a double postgraduate and mother of two! When financial burdens hit her family after her husband’s health deteriorated, Rekha defied societal norms and stepped behind the wheel of a taxi. Despite initial resistance from family and taunts from fellow drivers, Rekha persevered. Today, she’s a beacon of inspiration, ferrying passengers between Ranikhet and Haldwani, proving that grit and determination can overcome any obstacle.

Rekha’s courage sparked a chain reaction. Mamta Joshi, a young mother from Bageshwar, followed suit. Facing criticism head-on, she started driving a taxi between Bageshwar and Almora, supporting her family and becoming a role model for women in her village.

Then there’s Mamta Pujari, Dehradun’s first “She Cab” driver. With dreams of competitive exams put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances, Mamta embraced this opportunity. Her bravery paved the way for a trust offering free driving training to underprivileged women, ensuring a safe environment for solo female travelers in the state.

These three women, all hailing from rural backgrounds, are shattering stereotypes and paving the way for a new social order. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above limitations and redefine success. They’re not just driving taxis; they’re driving change, inspiring countless women to chase their dreams, no matter the terrain.

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