Detective, ambulance driver, aviation firefighter: Indian women are breaking gender stereotypes

In the country’s patriarchal society, it is difficult for women to enter careers that are considered traditionally male preserves

But despite discouragement and harassment, some Indian women have their hearts set on being trailblazers

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Taniya Sanyal, the first airport firefighter to be appointed by the Airports Authority of India. Photo: Taniya Sanyal

Published: 3:00pm, 20 Dec 2020Updated: 3:22pm, 20 Dec 2020

It’s another day at work for M. Veeralakshmi, whose name means “the brave girl”. Siren and red lights flashing, the 29-year-old expertly navigates her ambulance through the crowded streets of Chennai, India, to pick up a patient. She is the state of Tamil Nadu’s first female ambulance driver.

Veeralakshmi, a commerce graduate, learned by observing her husband, who is a driver, and was given vocational training by ANEW, a women’s welfare association in Chennai which trains and helps underprivileged women get jobs. “I enrolled myself into their driving course and my instructors, noticing I was good behind the wheel, suggested I work as a private driver,” she said.

“After three years of being a driver, I applied for the post of ambulance driver, though my friends and family reminded me that it was a male-dominated profession. It was a moment of pride when the chief minister of Tamil Nadu announced my induction in August this year,” said Veeralakshmi, smiling.

“My main problem is the long hours at work, and lack of restrooms for women on the road. Managing a family with two young children, and doing this important job with its traumatic moments, is like walking a tightrope. But at the end of the day, it gives me a lot of satisfaction that I have actually helped save lives. I believe women can do anything, if they are clear about what they want.”

In India’s patriarchal society, it is difficult for women to enter careers that are considered traditionally male preserves, such as the army, driving heavy vehicles, or anything that requires muscle power or is considered hazardous.

M. Veeralakshmi, Tamil Nadu's first female ambulance driver. Photo: ANEW

According to this year’s Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, India ranked 112th out of 153 countries on the gender gap index. This poor showing is related to many socioeconomic reasons, from girls being forced to drop out of school early to women not being allowed to work by their families. Even in areas such as agriculture, women are routinely paid significantly less than men, with differences in capability often cited.