Bengaluru NGO Empowers Single Mothers and Abuse Survivors Through Auto-Rickshaw Driving Initiative

The Thaliru Foundation, a Bengaluru-based non-governmental organization, is transforming the lives of vulnerable women through its 'Swavalambi Stree Auto-Rickshaw Driving' initiative. The program specifically targets single mothers and survivors of domestic abuse, providing them with vocational training to achieve financial independence. The article highlights personal stories of participants like Uma from Mysuru and Sandhya from Bengaluru, who turned to auto-rickshaw driving after facing severe personal tragedies, including the loss of spouses and family breadwinners. Uma, who previously struggled to balance low-wage work with caring for children with health issues, now uses her earnings to repay debts and spend time with her family. Similarly, Sandhya, who lost both her husband and brother within eleven days, is learning to drive to support her two children. The initiative helps these women overcome societal hesitation and economic hardship, offering a sustainable livelihood that allows them to rebuild their lives with dignity and autonomy. By acquiring driving skills and licenses, these women are breaking traditional gender barriers in urban transport while securing a stable income for their families.