South Asia | India | Career

Women auto drivers bravely fight all odds in Chennai to work

This story is not about ordinary women, but the ones who fearlessly fight gender inequality everyday. Chennai, known as the gateway to South India, also acted as a gateway towards women empowerment. Since March 2014, hundreds of women have started driving auto rickshaws in the city. The count is increasing at a fast pace as the passengers feel safe travelling with them. But with such great initiative comes obstacles. This move has threatened male auto rickshaw drivers and their income. Out of anger, male auto drivers harass these women drivers. But these sneers from the male auto driv

South Asia | India | Culture

Building India’s cities, silent workforce of women goes unrecognized

Source: Reuters

When newly-wed Kamlesh was told she would be accompanying her husband to work in the city, she was thrilled at the prospect of a better life than in the drought-prone village in central India where she grew up. But arriving in New Delhi 12 years ago, crammed into the back of a truck with her husband and dozens of others, Kamlesh was shown a make-shift tent home on a pavement and realized that city life would not be what she had expected. "We were put to work immediately. The contractors told us to clear all the dirt and soil around the construction site and carry the cement to the masons

South Asia | India | Entertainment

Radhika Apte won’t do songs that objectify women

Source: Indian Express

Actress Radhika Apte, who picks content-driven films, says she would not do an item song which objectifies women. Asked if she’s willing to do item songs in Bollywood, the “Hunterrr” told IANS: “It all depends on what it is. What is item number? It is a song and dance sequence. But if you are objectifying a woman and if that’s the sole purpose of an item number — to wear less clothes and dance — I don’t like it. I will not do it.” The actress, who has worked in films in as many as seven languages, also roots for equality in the remuneration of male and female actors in