There is literally nothing that can stop women from exploring different fields in their career just like men. Barely a few decades ago, women were hardly supposed to drive their own vehicles in public places. But time has changed.
Women today are doing almost every work which men can do. Time is bridging the gap between the two genders. Now women have come far ahead of all those pasts, they are now ready to face all challenges thrown at them.
Only a few hand-picked driver-partners have earned excellent ratings from customers get selected to drive the Ola outstation routes and Bengaluru-based Mahalakshmi has set a great precedent.
From working as a domestic help at the age of 14 to becoming the only female Ola outstation driver-partner from Bengaluru, Mahalakshmi’s story is well and truly inspiring.
From a young age, Mahalakshmi, who studied until Grade 10 was determined to stand on her own feet to be the sole breadwinner and support her family. Nonetheless, she struggled for a long time to secure a job for a better future but never gave up.
She finally began working as domestic help for a family in Bengaluru. With some support and encouragement of the family, she learned how to drive and went on to become the family’s chauffeur. It was then Mahalakshmi came across an Ola advertisement about the company hiring female driver-partners.
“I had never imagined that I would someday drive a cab, but when the opportunity arose, I didn’t hesitate to make the shift. When I came across an Ola advertisement about the company hiring female driver-partners I realised it was my chance to become truly independent,” says Mahalakshmi, who registered with Ola with family’s help that she worked for at the time.
There is no looking back since then for Mahalakshmi. Today, it has been over five years since she has been plying her trade as full-time Ola driver-partner and simultaneously balancing her household and her two children. It should be noted that her job demands working long hours, staying away from home, catering to the customer and making sure that their travel needs are met.
“My family has remained by my side throughout and continues to root for my success. With their support, the transition was easy and it has been a fulfilling journey so far,” she adds.
However, it has been five years since her first drive. Today, she feels like a completely different entrepreneur as she takes great pride in being her own boss and deciding her own work hours.
“I take pride in the work that I do and that I am able to provide for my family. After joining the Ola platform, I have become my own boss and my income has significantly increased. At the end of the day, I believe society respects hard work,” says Mahalakshmi.
“At times, I feel like a celebrity when I receive praise for my driving from customers, sometimes they ask me for a selfie at the end of a ride. My children especially, who have closely seen my journey, proudly tell their friends and teachers that their mother drives Ola cab for a living – this motivates me to do more every day,” she says.
She adds, “Many young girls come up to me and tell me I inspire them. My story shows that no matter what your background is, you have the power to follow your dreams and create a better life for yourself. I advise young girls to think big, stay determined and stick to the path they choose.”
With inputs from Yourstory