At a time when most people would throw in the towel in the face of poverty, these bold women are taking up truck-driving jobs to combat the very same.

For the first time, women in Thar are taking up jobs that were previously thought to belong to men. And it’s pretty much all kinds of badass and super empowering. The huge dump trucks used in the mining process are now being driven by women.

The region of Islamkot, Tharparkar, is experiencing a wave of empowerment – one born out of necessity.

As reported by Express Tribune, this sort of labor is seen as ‘life-changing’ for many women in the region. Though the task seemed impossible at first, it wasn’t something the women in Thar couldn’t tackle.

Gulaban, a 25-year-old housewife and a mother of three from Thar’s Hindu community, spoke about taking on daunting vehicles as well. She talked about how she was nervous about operating the vehicle at first, but she’s become used to it by now. Gulaban also had a head start, since she knew how to drive. However, other women are following her footsteps.

Gulaban hopes more women will join in and battle poverty. Already, 30 women are being trained to be truck drivers by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company.

The company currently has around 125 dump trucks. It is estimated that 300-400 trucks will be needed down the line. This helps generate more employment opportunities for these women. Moreover, the drivers can earn around Rs 40,000 a month.

Gulaban seems optimistic about this, as she states: “As I can see our other female trainees getting paid and their life is changing. I hope for a better future.”

Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, was also seen alongside the women. He was sitting in one of the trucks being driven by these women.

When we talk about empowerment and reclamation of public spaces, not many of us can imagine doing what these women are doing.

They’re tackling a very real problem head-on by taking the wheel of their life into their own hands. Not only are the combating poverty, they’re battling countless stereotypes as well. Moreover, they’re setting a great example for other women to follow. And they truly deserve all the appreciation in the world for it.

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

Cover image via: tribune.com.pk