Due to inflation, everyone is worried about how will they survive and continue to put food on the table. A man is supposed to be the bread runner of the family, but what he is no more. What will happen to the family? Who is supposed to challenge the situation in the current scenario, since survival of the family becomes the foremost priority. Breaking the barriers and thinking of ‘Log kia kahengy’ (What will people think, a brave woman stepped up to challenge the stereotypical society. A woman has decided to be the front runner in carrying family on her back to combat the rising inflation in recent times. The profession she has chosen is known for its male-dominated approach.
Alisha Abdul Jameel lives in Drigh Road, Karachi who has decided to put her in the forefront for fulfilling the wishes of her father. Her late father Abdul Jameel had taught Alisha to drive rickshaw when he was alive, which is considered taboo in Pakistani society. Now she has decided to challenge herself to earn bread and butter for her family.
Alisha said “When my father was ill, he taught me how to drive his rickshaw. He wanted me to fulfill his dream of becoming a breadwinner in the family like a son would… he wanted me to play this role to improve the financial situation of my family.”
She further said that since the demise of her father Abdul Jameel, she had to compromise her studies to earn bread and butter for her sister and mother. It all started one year ago, when she decided to take on the responsibility to become the breadwinner for the family.
Alisha said that she had only studied till class 8, but due to the intense financial situation, given up her studies to assist her family. She further said that her relatives criticize her for running rickshaw, however, she has a goal to focus on and thus, does not care and choose to ignore all the harsh words said to her. Alisha further said that previously she also tried her luck in factories, however, she was offered a very low salary.
She further said that she was no different from any other rickshaw driver, as she also has to go through same problems as men do. If her rickshaw breaks down, then she reaches the mechanic and pushes rickshaw herself and get it fixed. Furthermore, searching for customers is as difficult for her as for any other rickshaw driver. Alisha said, “When I go out, my mother sends me off with her prayers… and I have no fear after that. For my own protection, I try to offer rides to mostly families or women”.
Alisha further said that a large part of her money is spent in purchasing petrol for her rickshaw. She said that the government has increased petroleum prices significantly. She added, “A large chunk of my money goes into buying petrol which is very expensive nowadays… I don’t earn as much as compared to the hard work I put in”.
Salma, Alisha’s mother also spoke regarding her daughter. She said that her deceased father always wanted her to work, just like a son would do. She added that Alisha has started driving rickshaw since the last year. But as a mother she was very concerned regarding her daughter, even though she is the pride of the family. She added, “When she brought the money for the first time, my heart got immersed in pride. But once, few people chased her so she parked her rickshaw near a Rangers’ check post.” But she urged the daughters to step out of their comfort zones to support their parents during the moment of crises.
