When the city sleeps at night, this Kerala woman drives, breaking stereotypes one ride at a time

When the city slows down after dark, Rahiyanam begins her night shift behind the wheel of an autorickshaw, creating a unique story of women empowerment, night driving and self-reliance in Kerala. Once working as a food delivery rider, she shifted to driving an auto at night after developing a dust allergy during daytime work.

Two years into the profession, Rahiyanam says the journey has been positive and filled with support from passengers, fellow auto drivers and local police.

She says she has not faced major difficulties as a woman driver and believes people respect those who work hard to earn a living. Her night routes have taken her to destinations including Engapuzha and Koppam.

Rahiyanam’s story is also inspiring female passengers, many of whom ask how they can become auto drivers themselves. Her dream now is to save enough to buy a new vehicle and eventually a home.