We opened the discussion on 11th July [Check Box below] in an endeavour to map out certain trends with respect to female drivers on Mumbai roads.
Following up on that, we launched the DNA Women Drivers’ poll [Report gist below] and explored certain trends across categories to evaluate where women drivers stand in Mumbai.
»Global scenario
Almost every study or survey conducted globally on this subject (Carrentals UK, University of New South Wales, 4autoinsurancequote USA, Wunelli in the EU, Quality Planning in New Zealand, Insurance Information Institute) asserts that women drive not only well but also more safely than their male counterparts, often resulting in several motor insurance companies worldwide offering lower premium rates to women.
»India catching up
India however still has some way to go before we can amass sufficient data points to determine if a similar trend exists in the country. “Presently we only offer discounts on the basis of age and profession. But as the market matures and the quality of data increases, gender may become a differentiating factor for motor insurance companies, as is the case in more advanced economies,” says Karan Chopra, head of retail business group at HDFC Ergo General Insurance.
»Ground Realities
Times are slowly changing against prevailing conventional notions, and no longer is it uncommon for women to be behind the wheel or even on a motorbike.
In fact, these days companies like Ajanta Ltd are actually employing them to do so professionally. Mumbai (and Delhi) have successfully run the revolutionary ForShe Taxi Service, which was started by a single mother.
According to Susieben Shah, the founder of another similar venture called Priyadarshini Taxi Service, “All female drivers are from the lower middle class who are challenging a big myth that women cannot drive well”. Both enterprises herald a new era for not just women drivers but also commuters who are used to males driving taxis.
»Grit and Glory
Over the years and against numerous disadvantages, women have been known to participate in some of the most difficult motorsport rallies in the world including Raid de Himalayas, which takes place in the treacherous terrain of Ladakh, at altitudes that make breathing difficult and temperatures fall below -15 degrees Celsius. “A feat that most men don’t dare,” says Sheetal Bidaye, chief ride officer of mybikemyworld. “Only a few people have perhaps even heard about The Bikerni, a 286-member-strong association of female bikers across India. Apart from travelling around the country, the group actively participates in causes and campaigns, such as the recently organized ‘Helmet Awareness Rally’, and are RTO allies as well.”
»Business Sense
Moreover, since no study has ever been conducted in the country, most automotive manufacturers who were approached for a perspective promptly declined to comment on the subject.
Anita Sharma, Assistant Vice President of Marketing Communications at Honda believes “While we know that women drivers have increased, the cars are often still registered in their father’s or husband’s name and it therefore becomes difficult to accurately understand the exact user details”. Given this increasing number of female participation in an otherwise male-dominated space, many automotive companies, immediately spotting a potential business opportunity, have begun to design products for as well as market them to this segment of the population. Despite this gradual evolution and shift in balance, women riders and drivers unfortunately still remain the butt of sexist barbs.
»Key Takeaway
Nonetheless, regardless of any conclusive evidence, the fact remains that we are witnessing a growing trend in the number of women who are steadily making their presence felt on the roads. This situation demands a progressive change in the typical Indian mentality consisting of the stereotypical, and sometimes misogynist, attitude that women cannot or do not know how to drive.
Compiled for dna by Nadia Lewis
(Business India)
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