Kashmiri Women Claim Their Place Behind The Wheel

Srinagar: Amidst the cacophony of honking horns and the frenetic hustle of the main road, Tabish Khan, 22 stood poised behind the wheel. She adjusted her grip on the steering wheel, a thrill coursing through her veins, as she embarked on her first on-road practice.

For Khan, enrolling in a driving school wasn't just about mastering the mechanics of a vehicle; it symbolized a profound yearning for independence. "Driving is more than just a skill; it is liberation," Khan said.

She had endured the chaos and discomfort of public transportation for long, yearning for a reprieve from the confines of crowded buses.

“I have to travel to university daily and driving is going to help me,” she said.

The sight of women confidently navigating the bustling streets of Kashmir from behind the wheel has become increasingly commonplace. Society today is increasingly progressive and inclusive, and the establishment of driving schools for women has not only facilitated their empowerment and independence but has also challenged the prevailing gender biases. With each passing generation, more and more women are seizing the opportunity to take control of their mobility and independence by learning to drive.

The story of women and driving in Kashmir extends beyond the realm of necessity. For Saima Jan, 38, a stay-at-home mother of two, learning to drive wasn't about escaping public transport woes, but about embracing a passion. "Since childhood, I've been fascinated by cars," she confessed.

Saima, while appreciating the practicality of being able to easily run errands, take her children to their activities, and handle day-to-day responsibilities, said, "Earlier, it was quite challenging with only my husband knowing how to drive. Despite having a car at home, we often faced difficulties and had to rely on others to ferry my family around. Now, I take charge and personally ferry my kids to school, enjoying the newfound freedom and convenience it brings."

“The number of women opting to drive has steadily risen in recent years,” Maryam, Coordinator Maruti driving school, said.

“Our institute has seen almost a 50% increase in female learners since 2019.”

Despite steadily reclaiming their space on the roads, women in Kashmir still