Launched: The road to safety and dignity; gender no bar

Bengaluru: In a step towards financial empowerment, the “Auto Driving Skills Training for Women and Transgender Persons” programme was officially launched recently.

This programme is being supported by CGI under the CSR initiative.

The initiative proposes to train over 100 women and transgender individuals to become professional auto drivers, equipping them with skills and resources needed to access dignified livelihood opportunities.

The programme was flagged off by Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, along with Srividya Natraj and Sarika Pradhan, both Vice-Presidents of CGI, and Chitra Talwar and Mimi Partha Sarathy, Members of B.PAC.

The programme looks to bridge existing gaps in employment and mobility by offering comprehensive training and support to women and transgender individuals, enabling them to become professional auto drivers.

Beyond financial empowerment, the initiative aims to create a safer and more inclusive para-transit system in Bengaluru, which will integrate transgender persons into mainstream life and support women from marginalized communities in achieving financial independence.

By increasing the presence of women and transgender drivers, the programme looks to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity and contribute to safer public transportation.

The initiative includes holistic training in driving, life skills, road safety and financial literacy, and facilitates access to auto-rickshaws through seed funding and partnerships with financial institutions.

Highlights of the programme are as follows:

• Over 100 beneficiaries (women and transgender individuals) sought to be trained.
• The 60 days of training will cover driving skills, life skills and financial literacy.
• Rental and fuel support.
• Driving licence facilitation.
• Community outreach and coordination.

The outcome: Financial independence, employment access, and increased safety in Bengaluru’s transport sector.