By Rusen Kumar
NEW DELHI (India CSR): Balamurugan Thevar, the Head of CSR at Shriram Finance Limited, is leading a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women to break barriers and enter the traditionally male-dominated driving profession. With the launch of the Women Driving Training Initiative, Shriram Finance has set its sights on not only improving the skills of women drivers but also uplifting their social and economic status. This program is part of a broader effort to drive inclusivity in the commercial vehicle industry, offering women a pathway to financial independence and personal empowerment. The initiative has already made remarkable strides by providing over 660 women with the opportunity to earn a stable income, gain respect within their communities, and create role models for future generations. Through continuous mentorship, family counselling, and community involvement, Shriram Finance is reshaping the narrative around women in the workforce, driving lasting change for women across India.
In this detailed conversation, Balamurugan Thevar shares the inspiration behind the initiative, the challenges faced, and the powerful stories of transformation that have emerged from the program. He also discusses the future plans for scaling this impactful initiative across India, bringing more women into the workforce and challenging societal norms along the way.
1. What inspired Shriram Finance to focus on women in the driving profession?
Shriram Finance has launched one of the largest Driver Training and Skill India Certification initiatives aimed at Commercial Vehicle Drivers. Through this program, over 1 lakh drivers have been successfully trained and certified as NSQF Level 4 drivers, which is equivalent to a +2/HSC qualification. Recognizing the low representation of women in this field—currently just 6.8%—the Leadership & CSR team of Shriram Finance, has taken a proactive step to promote inclusivity. As part of this vision, a dedicated Women Driving Training Initiative has been introduced to encourage and empower more women to enter this traditionally male-dominated profession.
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2. How does this initiative support gender inclusivity and economic empowerment?
The Women Driving Training Initiative is designed not just to impart skills, but to create lasting impact. It provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for women, enabling them to earn a stable income while boosting their confidence and sense of independence. By shifting women from underpaid labour roles to becoming active financial contributors within their families, the Initiative is fostering economic empowerment. Moreover, it plays a vital role in integrating women into evolving industries and social narratives, helping reshape perceptions and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
3. What transformation stories have you witnessed among the trained women?
With the support of the Women Driving Training Initiative, many women have achieved significant personal and social milestones. They are now able to sustain themselves financially, which has not only improved their quality of life but also empowered them to make critical life decisions—such as gaining or retaining custody of their children. This financial independence has enabled some to navigate abusive or harmful domestic environments. Beyond economic benefits, the program has helped women discover a renewed sense of self-worth and pride. They have earned respect within their families and communities and have become role models, especially for their daughters, by leading through example.
4. Why is the holistic approach with mentorship and family counselling important?
Family support is essential to sustaining the impact of the Initiative. When families are engaged, initial resistance can be transformed into encouragement, turning potential barriers into sources of strength. This backing ensures the program leads to long-term empowerment rather than being a short-term intervention. Importantly, a supportive home environment also reduces the likelihood of participants discontinuing the program due to pressure or fear of societal judgment, helping women remain committed and confident in their journey.
5. What are some tangible outcomes among the 660+ trained women?
The Initiative has led to tangible and transformative outcomes. Over 100 beneficiaries have established their own driving businesses, while another 100+ have secured employment by operating rented e-rickshaws and leased vehicles. As a result, the average monthly income of women participants has increased from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000. This financial growth has enabled many to invest in quality education for their children. Beyond economic gains, the trained women have transitioned from being passive community members to active participants, becoming both emotional and financial pillars of support within their families.
6. How do you identify and engage the right beneficiaries in remote areas?
We partner with grassroots NGOs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that have deep community connections and local insight. We also collaborate with ASHA and Anganwadi workers, who play a vital role in identifying eligible women based on their understanding of the community’s needs. Additionally, we work closely with local influencers and opinion leaders to build trust, ensure outreach, and encourage participation among potential beneficiaries.
7. How critical has community involvement been to the program’s success?
Community involvement has been crucial to the success of the program. Trust within the community drives participation and ensures greater engagement. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) serve as vital bridges in breaking the ice and connecting us with beneficiaries. Peer encouragement plays a key role in retention and motivation, creating a supportive environment that keeps women committed to the program. Furthermore, when the community is actively involved, family acceptance improves, leading to more sustainable outcomes for the participants.
8. Have you encountered resistance while implementing this initiative?
Yes, we have encountered some resistance while implementing this Initiative, particularly due to societal and family perceptions of women taking on the role of a driver, which is often viewed as non-stereotypical. In some cases, families were initially uncomfortable with the idea of women traveling or working outside the home. This resistance was addressed through continuous dialogue, awareness programs, and counselling to highlight the benefits of the Initiative. Additionally, we created success stories to inspire acceptance and demonstrate the positive impact the program has had on both the women participants and their families.
9. What’s next for #ChaltiKaNaamNaari in the coming years?
In the coming years, #ChaltiKaNaamNaari aims to expand its reach across multiple locations and states, ensuring greater access and impact. We plan to build strong networks of trained women to provide peer support, fostering a sense of community. Additionally, we will integrate financial support and entrepreneurship handholding to help women scale their ventures. We also intend to partner with e-vehicle and LCV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to explore innovative subscription or ownership models, making it easier for women to access vehicles and enhance their business opportunities.
10. What message would you give to other organizations exploring similar CSR work?
Enabling women with financial independence is transformative not only for the individual but for the family’s economic well-being. A financially empowered woman opens the doors of opportunity for every girl child in her family, creating ripple effects that benefit generations to come. Skilling and enabling women in non-stereotypical vocations not only changes lives but also positively impacts families and shifts societal outlooks, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive future.
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About Rusen Kumar
Rusen Kumar is a distinguished journalist, author, and visionary knowledge entrepreneur specializing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in India. He is the founder and managing editor of India CSR Network, a leading platform dedicated to CSR and sustainability issues.
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