The Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE) will be distributing over 80 commercial driving licenses to women in Bengaluru on November 28, 2024. This initiative aims to empower women by providing them with opportunities in the transportation sector, which has traditionally been male-dominated.
AWAKE is empowering women in the transportation sector by offering opportunities for their development. With over 60 trained women, many now work for services like GoPink. In a surge of demand for women drivers in Bengaluru for women traveling at night, Asha NR, President, AWAKE mentions, "Our training programme not only secures employment for them with taxi services, but also empowers them to launch ventures like tour agencies, service centers, and car wash facilities." Additionally, MG Rajagopal, President of Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), praised the initiative and said, "Training women in commercial driving fosters economic independence, especially for those from financially weaker backgrounds. Women-only taxis add safety and strengthen the security of the transportation ecosystem."
The initiative plans to establish a regional driving training center in Bidadi, supported by the Karnataka government and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This initiative is India's first facility that aims to increase the number of women working as commercial drivers by providing automated tracks, accommodation, and training resources.
