Development Alternatives (DA) is pleased to announce the release of its latest documentary, ‘Wheels of Change’. This groundbreaking film showcases the incredible journey of women e-rickshaw entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh who are redefining safe mobility and breaking social barriers.
Amidst the backdrop of deep-rooted societal challenges such as female foeticide, caste discrimination, poverty, and patriarchy, DA’s safe mobility program emerges as a beacon of hope. This initiative is dismantling significant obstacles to women’s progress, proving that these barriers are meant to be shattered—one e-rickshaw ride at a time!
‘
Wheels of Change’ celebrates the resilience and determination of women who transcend the traditional role of homemakers to become successful entrepreneurs in a male-dominated field. The film was produced by a dedicated team of 13 over 10 days, featuring 25 inspiring women. It highlights how uneducated and resource-deprived women can drive social change and become harbingers of community development. By achieving financial independence, these women take charge of their own destinies and those of their families. The documentary captures their challenges, victories, and the unwavering community support that has made this initiative a success.
DA’s Safe Mobility for Women initiative has empowered 110 women e-rickshaw entrepreneurs, leading to enhanced safe mobility for over 100,000 women and girls in Mirzapur. This transformative initiative not only meets the urgent need for secure transportation but also fosters economic and social empowerment for women in remote areas.
The program emphasizes Empowering Women and Ensuring Safe Mobility. In Mirzapur, women e-rickshaw entrepreneurs challenge the male-dominated mobility sector by actively engaging with local stakeholders through the platform, Aarya Manch. This platform has significantly advanced the cause of e-mobility entrepreneurship for women in Mirzapur, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and addressing challenges. It promises to expand economic opportunities for women and drive positive change within the local e-mobility ecosystem.
Buoyed by the success in Mirzapur, DA aims to expand the project to Bundelkhand, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Kaushambi. The goal is to mobilize 1,000 women e-rickshaw entrepreneurs across these districts within the next two years, extending safe mobility solutions and enhancing women’s freedom and empowerment across Uttar Pradesh.
Kanika Verma, Lead Sustainable Enterprises & Associate Vice President, DA says, “We are visible, but we are also supposed to be invisible. We are supposed to say things, but we are supposed to say them in a very quiet way. We are supposed to do everything in the background, helping society, an individual, a man forward, a family forward, without taking credit. When a woman steps out of the house, men also start feeling challenged. They see that if a woman can step out and create her own source of income, they are challenged to do better.”
Shrashtant Patara, CEO, DA adds, “In our experience over the years, when you are looking to make a change and you put people at the center—in the case of e-rickshaws, we have put women at the center—there are three things that need to click, which we call a ‘FIT.’ You need finance, institutions, and technology to kick in. What makes us happiest and confident is that the institution built there, even though informal, is extremely powerful. This will drive much more impact, not just in Mirzapur but hopefully through replication in other parts of Uttar Pradesh.”