Manorama, a smart young woman of 32, stays in Patharabandha slum of Bhubaneswar with her family of six members in a tiny house.

Being poor, in order to supplement her family income, Manorama made of her mind to become a chauffeur. Where there is a will there is a way. Fortunately, she got a chance to get enrolled in the Women on Wheels (WoW) programme initiated by CYSD in 2019.

Women on Wheels is an initiative started by the Azad Foundation in Delhi to empower resource-poor women in becoming professional drivers. This programme enabled socially excluded female members of the society to move from the margins to the mainstream.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day (8th March, 1999), CYSD launched the WoW programme in collaboration with Azad Foundation and Mahindra Finance in Bhubaneswar to train women between 18-35 age group from various slums in the city to become chauffeurs.

After being professionally trained completing one year course she obtained a valid driving licence. Despite several hardships, she had to wait for several months to get engaged in a job to support her family. Luckily, Manorama got a placement in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) as the Sanitation Vehicle Driver. Now, she drives the sanitation vehicle engaged for disposal of garbage in Ward No. 47 of the city.

Manorama says that her role in the sanitation drive of BMC is important in creating awareness among the citizenry in allotted zone.  She educates people on the difference between dry and damp waste. She also creates awareness on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in homes as well as of the environment. So she enjoys the job.

 “I am really happy that I’m able to contribute to the society through the sanitation drive, especially during this deadly Covid-19 pandemic”, shares Manorama

Manorama is truly a COVID Warrior.