FEMALE AUTO-DRIVERS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE NON-TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOOD IN THANE DISTRICT

This was an exploratory, descriptive, non-experimental study of women auto rickshaw drivers in Thane district. The study focuses on the reason women chose this profession and the problems they face in this job. Findings reveal that majority women entered this profession due to their family's financial instability and benefitted from the job in terms of financial self-reliance and fulfilling the family's basic needs. However, collective efforts like social awareness, government intervention, advocacy and research are required to make their work conditions and experiences better.