A challenging career for women
2024 will be Sashi Prabha’s eighth year as a taxi driver
FACING hardships is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our strength. It's in overcoming challenges that we discover the depth of our resilience and the power within us to shape our destiny.
Sashi Pradha had to face her mountains when she first decided to try being a taxi driver.
With the support of her family and her resilient nature, she was able to overcome her situation.
After being in the workforce, she decided to switch careers.
"Over the span of my time working, I spent 10 years at in the binding section. In this period, I bought a vehicle and a taxi licence and had a driver work for me.
"After leaving I stayed home and found out the driver was not honest with me. After two years, the driver decided to stop working for me.
"My husband and I decided that I needed to get a PSV licence. It was easy for me to obtain it since the taxi permit was under my name. This was the right move, as I faced a lot of issues with the driver who drove my taxi," she says.
While her start wasn't as smooth as she hoped it would be, getting into a male-dominated industry was going to be difficult, the 64-year-old said.
"In 2012, I started my career as a taxi driver. My husband supported me on my journey, right from my first day as a taxi driver. I faced a lot of challenges when I started. I remember driving, and we came to a stop.
"There were a few cars behind me at this time. An older gentleman who was my passenger suddenly opened the door and yelled out that I needed to go home and make roti,” she said.
He also rudely asked why I was driving and that I belonged at home. "When he left, I couldn't help but cry.
“It was one of the worst experiences I've had as a driver. But I remember wiping my tears and telling myself that I was not going to be discouraged.
In 2024, this will be my eighth year as a taxi driver."
Over the years, Sashi has been able to establish her customers and win the respect from her colleagues and clients.
This led her to discover the dishonest dealings she was tricked into in. Despite the revelation, she continues working hard to meet her goals.
"It is better for you to drive your own taxi. I've had experiences where my colleagues would tell me that my shocks were being sold to them from the previous driver who used my taxi.
"I would be changing them every three to four months. I would also mark the new tyres I bought, but when I checked, it was gone. Being a taxi driver was the best decision I made.
"Every day, I try to earn $100. Some days I don't, and some days I get more. I'm happy with what I'm earning."
She raised concerns about passengers not paying the waiting fee.
Sashi said taxi drivers had families too and had the responsibility to bring food to the table.
She also encourages more women to start driving and urges them to get PSV licences.
"Passengers must pay for the waiting fee. It's the law.
“They must understand that when they take their time paying for the fare, our time is lost.
“Remember, if you're a woman with nothing to do or do not have a husband, I encourage you to start driving. Go get your licence. You won't regret it."