Bhopal: Domestic Violence Survivors To Ride To Independence With Delivery Jobs

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Women survivors of domestic violence will soon take on roles as delivery agents and bike taxi operators under the Saksham Project—a joint initiative by ActionAid Association and Mahila Manch Foundation (MMF). This effort aims to empower survivors with training and employment in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

Initially, around 30 women associated with Gauravi One-Stop Crisis Centre will be trained to ride scooters and prepared for work with leading companies such as Blue Dart, Zomato, Swiggy, and Rapido. The initiative will first be launched in Bhopal, followed by Indore.

“The initiative not only provides sustainable livelihood opportunities but also breaks gender stereotypes by supporting women to become delivery executives with reputed delivery platforms,” said Soumya Saxena of ActionAid India.

Training will cover scooty riding, road safety and soft skills, helping women reclaim mobility, confidence and independence. The first batch will include around 15 women, with a trainer for two-wheeler riding currently being selected. An open space will soon be finalized for conducting the sessions.

Soumya said that earlier experiments with training women to drive auto-rickshaws and taxis for ride-hailing services didn’t meet expectations. “Women feel uncomfortable driving autos and cab services,” she said.