My StoryShanti DeviWoman ChauffeurSakha

For ASPBAESeptember 7 - 10, 2014

I wanted to run away!

Born in North Cachar Hills, Assam, 1981, April 30thFather – business in charcoal; Mother – housewife; Two brothers born after me.Schooling – till class X (travelled 15kms by bus for high school)

Grew up in a violent home. Father used to get drunk and get home in the night. Regularly beating up my mother. We children would also get beaten at times and had to often ask our neighbors to intervene. I GREW UP WANTING TO RUN AWAY, TO FIND AN ESCAPE FROM THIS DAILY ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

I thought maybe it is happening only to me.. That running away from home

would help me find a safe space, but I have learnt in life, that there are no safe spaces for women. None at all. Till she is ready to fight for them. And then she has to build these safe spaces brick by brick…

I thought maybe it is happening only to me.. That running away from home

would help me find a safe space, but I have learnt in life, that there are no safe spaces for women. None at all. Till she is ready to fight for them. And then she has to build these safe spaces brick by brick…

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They said dignity was about silently accepting one’s fate!

I requested Narayan to marry me. I had seen him going to school and knew he now lived in Delhi. I wrote to him to come and take me with him to Delhi – so I could ESCAPE!

Narayan came and I ran away from my parents and reached Delhi. Got married on April 20th 1997. I realized from night one of our marriage, the great mistake I had made. There was no escaping the violence! I had no choice. Guilty and choice-less I accepted what fate had chosen for me.

I gave birth to three daughters amidst working hard, suffering abuse and with little support from anywhere –Suman – June 2nd, 1999Simran – Dec 10th. 2001Shruti – Nov. 27th, 2005

I know now, this is the story of many many women. I have heard this told and re-told innumerable times.

I know now, this is the story of many many women. I have heard this told and re-told innumerable times.

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Till one day when I found my courage!

I nearly died when I found my courage or perhaps courage found me. As my husband brutally beat me up to prevent me from going to work to earn a living, I

was able to kick him back and run to the police station for help. I was lucky. The police helped me. And after a second such attempt I decided to fight

back. I refused to take any more beating.

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I refused to cook for him. I refused to let him touch my body. I lived for my three daughters and myself. And on Jan.8th, 2010

he walked out on me. I was so relieved!

Getting jobs is no easy matter!2006 Field worker, doing surveys. Earned 1500 INR (30usd) p.m for

8 hours of working.2006-07 Adult Educator. Earned 2000 INR (40usd) p.m for 4 hrs of work 2007 Receptionist. Earned 3500 INR (70usd) p.m for 8 hrs of work.2007 Tele Caller. Earned 4500 INR (90usd). Worked for only 2 mnths.2008-09 Vodafone caller for making friends. Earned 5000 INR (100usd) p.m Oct. 2009 Joined Azad Foundation

There are so few options for women like me, who have not studied much. Studying till class X prepares us for no vocation – we work as domestic help; do unskilled contract based jobs with strict terms that make earning a full salary a challenge; we have no protection, no training, no-one to help. I did them, because I had to earn money at whatever cost while I single handedly looked after my three girls and handled an abusive husband.

There are so few options for women like me, who have not studied much. Studying till class X prepares us for no vocation – we work as domestic help; do unskilled contract based jobs with strict terms that make earning a full salary a challenge; we have no protection, no training, no-one to help. I did them, because I had to earn money at whatever cost while I single handedly looked after my three girls and handled an abusive husband.

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Re-building my life, piece by piece

I managed to get the house we had bought with my Father’s money transferred to

my name. At least I had SHELTER now.

I needed to acquire skills that sell in the market.

I was attracted to Azad Foundation as they promised to provide a skilled job of a driver at the end of the training. Also it was something that was so different!!

Resource poor women like me, do not just need training in livelihoods. We need training that can also ensure JOBS for us; that can help us negotiate the day-to-day challenges and help balance our domestic responsibilities with our professional ones!

Resource poor women like me, do not just need training in livelihoods. We need training that can also ensure JOBS for us; that can help us negotiate the day-to-day challenges and help balance our domestic responsibilities with our professional ones!

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And I learnt so much!I had come to get trained as a driver. But I got an opportunity to reflect upon my life through the various modules and especially training given on women’s rights. I realized there were options in life. I found safe spaces in the counseling sessions they offered!

I worked hard to learn. It was not easy. I took 9 months, more than my batch mates. And after I failed two interviews I gave up! After more counseling, I was sent to practice for a week with a friend of Azad Foundation. And there, I took my last step towards becoming a driver! If not for that help, I may have just dropped out of the course.

Looking back, I am glad I was supported to learn at my pace. Even when I gave up on myself, my trainers continued to have faith in me. I am glad that we learnt about things other than driving, that gave us the confidence to be.

Looking back, I am glad I was supported to learn at my pace. Even when I gave up on myself, my trainers continued to have faith in me. I am glad that we learnt about things other than driving, that gave us the confidence to be.

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My First Job!!My first job was not easy, but I had support from Sakha and the team. Most

importantly this was the first formal job – with a contract, my leave, my over time and also my responsibilities clarified in writing on paper. And a SALARY that I had never earned before. From someone who only looked for help, I was now also in a role of help giver!

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Today I have ….An Identity that I am proud of – a Sakha Commercial Chauffeur

I have appeared on so many media – newspaper, television, national and international – I

realize I have something useful to offer to other people

I have appeared on so many media – newspaper, television, national and international – I

realize I have something useful to offer to other people

With David Cameron, Prime Minister, UK.

With Aamir Khan – famous Bollywood superstar

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Today……I am part of a collective that gives me strength and safety.

I feel a sense of dignity. Being honored by Chief Minister of Delhi, Shiela Dixit. My daughter being honored by State Women & Child Minister, Smt. Kiran Walia

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And for the collective ….

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Today… I have dreams for my Future!!To support my daughters in whatever they wish to do – so they can fulfill their dreams

To become a trainer and teach other women drivers!

To add on existing floors to my house which I could give out on rent!

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For more information about Women on Wheels please see:

www.azadfoundation.comwww.sakhaconsultingwings.com