Title: Empowering India’s Transgender Community: Electric Vehicles Open New Opportunities for Marginalized Groups
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BENGALURU, India (AP) — Preethi, a transgender woman, lived a life of uncertainty and struggle after being rejected by her family 10 years ago. Desperate for a better future, she relocated to Bengaluru, India, but faced consistent difficulties in finding employment. Forced to resort to begging on the streets, Preethi was vulnerable to abuse and violent crimes. However, her life took a positive turn in March last year when she received an electric rickshaw through a charitable donation.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained immense popularity across India, with Preethi becoming one of the millions of electric vehicle owners in the country. While EV donations are rare, experts stress the importance of ensuring that the shift towards clean energy benefits individuals from all economic backgrounds.
The Shishu Mandir charity, which donated Preethi’s electric rickshaw, aims to reduce pollution while empowering marginalized groups like women and transgender individuals. Preethi underwent training, obtained the necessary license, and had the electric rickshaw registered in her name. Since March last year, the charity has donated a total of 17 electric rickshaws and plans to donate five more in the coming months, providing training and licenses to recipients.
Experts emphasize the need to upskill local communities to prepare them for clean energy jobs, enabling a just transition. Programs like the federal Skill India scheme can be modified to train workers for the growing clean energy sector. From manufacturers to mechanics, retraining individuals is crucial to avoid leaving many behind in this transition, warns N.C. Thirumalai, a sector head at the Center for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy.
Preethi’s journey as an electric rickshaw driver has been marked by a mix of fear and excitement. However, her fears dissolved as she received overwhelming support from passengers who appreciated the sight of a transgender person driving an electric rickshaw. Preethi has managed to rise above adversity and establish a stable income, enabling her to afford her own home, pay off debts, and save for the first time in her life.
Her success story has positively impacted her customers too. She has developed a loyal customer base, consisting of vegetable vendors and concerned mothers in her neighborhood who trust her to transport their children safely to school and college. With zero fuel costs and minimal maintenance needs, Preethi earns up to 2,000 rupees ($24) per day.
Another recipient of an EV donation, Helena Christina, finds herself as the sole breadwinner for a family of nine. Fleeing an abusive marriage, Christina’s electric rickshaw is the lifeline that prevents her family from falling into extreme poverty. Despite working long hours, she remains determined to provide for her extended family.
While charities play a small role in facilitating a just transition, experts argue that the involvement of large corporations and government programs is vital. Corporate entities should invest in training programs for local communities near their EV factories, providing employment opportunities. Furthermore, pricing EVs competitively can make them accessible to a wider population.
Preethi hopes to inspire more transgender women to join her in the electric vehicle sector. Her ultimate goal is to purchase a larger electric vehicle in the future and operate it as a taxi.
The adoption of EVs among marginalized communities not only drives environmental sustainability but also creates a platform for empowerment and economic growth. As India continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, prioritizing an inclusive transition is essential to ensure a brighter future for all its citizens.
Follow Sibi Arasu on Twitter at [@sibi123](https://twitter.com/sibi123)
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Note: This article received support from several private foundations as part of the Associated Press climate and environmental coverage. The AP is solely responsible for all content.