This morning, my usual auto-rickshaw ride to the office turned into an unforgettable experience. Rushing to get ready, I didn’t pay attention to the driver’s details when I booked the ride. So, when I received a call from the driver, I was surprised to hear a woman’s voice. While women drivers in Chennai are not uncommon, this was the first time I had been in contact with one and I couldn’t help but be curious.

I saw this as an opportunity to ask a few questions I had long pondered. The woman on the other end was kind enough to answer all of them. She seemed very bold, unafraid to speak her mind and share her experiences. That conversation turned out to be much more than a brief ride.

The first question I asked was about working in an industry that is traditionally male-dominated. I wondered whether her male colleagues supported her. Her response, however, was deeply troubling. She shared how she has faced abuse, catcalling and insults simply because she is a woman driving an auto rickshaw. She was treated like an outcast for doing a job that’s seen as “unfit” for women. It was disheartening to hear how much she had to endure, but what struck me even more was her response to these challenges. She told me she doesn’t engage with the negativity, she remains silent and moves on. It was unsettling, though, because it made me realize how often women, in the face of adversity, have to remain quiet in order to survive.

Despite the challenges she faces, her character shines through. She spoke about how, even when people refuse to travel with her or cancel a ride simply because she’s a woman, she handles the rejection with grace. Rather than letting it affect her, she reminds herself that it is the person who cancels or refuses who is the unfortunate one. She refuses to internalize the hurt and maintains a positive outlook on life.

In the 10-minute ride to my office, I found myself fascinated by her perspective on life and her determination. She is a single mother who has been raising her family on her own for 11 years after losing her husband. Despite the difficult challenges, she is still in love with him, which I found incredibly touching. The kind of unconditional love she has for him is something rare in today’s world. It feels almost luxurious for me, it is a reminder of how deep emotions can go.

Her story opened my mind to a deeper realization—women can and should take on unconventional roles, even those that have traditionally been reserved for men. Every woman who challenges the status quo and chooses to pursue her career, regardless of societal expectations, is a root of strength. The women who push boundaries, like this auto driver, provide for their families and navigate the harsh realities of life with courage are the real women empowerment. The notion that women are somehow lesser if they do not conform to certain societal norms is a misguided one. In fact, women like her are not only equal but often surpass the expectations placed upon them. She is no less a woman for driving an auto rickshaw to support her family; in many ways, she is more of a woman.

We should all respect women for the choices they make, whether conventional or unconventional, because they are doing what they can to provide for their families, just like anyone else. We have no right to judge or belittle their efforts.

I felt compelled to write this piece because stories like hers deserve to be shared and celebrated. It’s time for society to recognize and respect the strength, determination and hard work of women in every field and understand that there is nothing a woman can’t do.

– Divya Priya Rajalingam