How Shila Dawre Defied Odds To Become India's 1st Woman Auto Driver

At a time when women were expected to follow a set path of getting married and settling down, Shila Dawre decided to take the driver's seat—quite literally—and became India's first female auto-rickshaw driver. Imagine being the first woman in India to hop into an auto-rickshaw and drive off into the bustling streets. That's Shila's story, and it's nothing short of incredible. She left her home in Parbhani district for Pune with just Rs 12 in her pocket and a heart full of dreams, determined to make a mark in a male-dominated profession.  

Dawre 's story is one of defiance and determination. Back in the 1980s, driving was considered a job reserved for men. However, Shila refused to be bound by stereotypes. Dressed in her regular salwar kameez, she fearlessly navigated the streets of Pune, challenging the notion that certain jobs were off-limits for women.

Shila Dawre: The Woman Who Drove Past Gender Barriers

Growing up in the 1980s, Dawre knew she didn't want to follow the traditional route. At just 18 years old, she made the courageous decision to leave her home in Parbhani with 12 rupees in her pocket and head to Pune to pursue her dream. But it wasn't easy. In those days, people couldn't imagine a woman driving an auto-rickshaw. In the 1980s, driving was largely seen as a man's domain, and Dawre faced no shortage of sceptics and naysayers.

From raised eyebrows to outright opposition, she encountered it all. But with a heart full of courage and a mindset on her goal, she refused to be held back. Clad in her regular salwar kameez, she took to the streets, determined to prove that women could excel behind the wheel just as well as men.

Despite the doubts and challenges, Dawre remained determined. She refused to let stereotypes hold her back. She started by driving auto-rickshaws when the regular drivers were on break, thanks to connections she made in women's self-help groups. It wasn't long before she saved up enough money to buy her auto-rickshaw and rented a place to live in a modest neighbourhood.

Dawre's journey wasn't just about breaking barriers for herself. She wanted to inspire other women to defy expectations and pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional. "I have been encouraging women to explore such out-of-the-box professions," she says with pride.

Life wasn't easy for Dawre. There were days when she went hungry, nights spent sleeping in her rickshaw, and insults hurled at her for daring to defy societal norms. But Shila didn't let any of that deter her. She fought against the odds with determination, eventually earning recognition in the Limca Book of Records for her groundbreaking achievement.

Throughout her journey, Dawre found strength in her family. Together with her husband, they built a business empire from scratch. But life threw them a curveball when they faced financial hardships and betrayal. Despite the setbacks, Dawre refused to give up. She rose from the ashes, establishing Vighnaharta Tourism and reclaiming her place as a successful entrepreneur.

Today, Shila Dawre isn't just India's first lady auto-rickshaw driver; she's a symbol of empowerment. Her story shows that, with determination and courage, anyone can overcome societal norms, and gender barriers and achieve their goals. She's not just driving a vehicle; she's driving change.