These Indian women have defied societal norms and stormed male bastions, to take up careers that many thought were not meant for women. They are doing a better job than their male counterparts in several cases.
Transcript:
1)Salma Beg (Railway gate-keeper)
This woman oversees the safe passage of up to 75 trains daily on a 12-hour shift.
2)Shanti Devi (Truck mechanic)
This woman juggles vehicle-repair, household chores, and motherhood like a pro!
3) Rashmi (Station controller)
Rashmi drove the first V.I.P. trial run of Bengaluru’s Metro in 2011. She stayed at the job till 2013, and now she is the station controller!
4)Shantham Ramaiah (Autorickshaw driver)
Back in 1992, Shantham started driving an autorickshaw. She was forced to stop in 2000 due to vehicle maintenance issues but that didn’t put a full stop to her career. She saved up to buy a new rickshaw.
5) Dr. Chandrani Prasad Verma (Mining engineer)
The University topper had to win a court case against gender discrimination at workplaces just to get her post of becoming a mining engineer. She is now a senior scientist at CSIR – Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research.
6)Shantabai (Barber)
After her husband’s death in 1984, Shantabai chose to take up his profession. At first she was mocked, but soon her critics became her customers!
7)Manju (Porter)
Manju didn’t let the load of heavy luggage weigh her down. The lone female porter among 177, she now deftly moves heavy suitcases and bags around Jaipur railway station.
8)Radharani (Painter)
To make ends meet, her husband taught her to paint. Now she paints better than him and has helped other women get into the same line of work.
9)Sabita Sathua (Marble mason)
Sabita was promoted from daily-wage labourer to mason while her subordinates – the men – had many disagreements with her. At the end of the day, she’s earned their respect.
These are women beating the odds and writing their own destinies.
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