Meet a Woman Rickshaw Driver

Interviewer: Assalamu Alaikum.

Walaikum Assalam.

Interviewer: Welcome, viewers. I am Mohammad Omor Faruk, reporting from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I’ve got an intriguing story to share with you all today. We’ll be exploring the life of a rickshaw driver, but this time through the eyes of a woman.

Interviewer: How are you sister?

I’m doing good.

Interviewer: We are currently working on a photography project that focuses on the laborers of Bangladesh. The project aims to share their stories through our blog and social media platforms, allowing people from all over the world to hear about your experiences.

Interviewer: What is your name?

My name is Komola.

Interviewer: How old are you?

I am 37 years old.

Interviewer: Can you please tell us why you chose this job, particularly as a woman?

I chose to do this job because driving a rickshaw brings quick money. And all the other jobs for a woman like me is very low paid. I have two daughters to take care of. I have to pay for their school tuition and feed my family. Any other job wouldn’t be enough to take care of my family.

Interviewer: How long have you been working at this job?

I’ve been driving a rickshaw for past four years.

Interviewer: Can you talk about that issues that you may have to face as a woman driving a rickshaw?

The problem that I have to face on a daily basis is bullying and harassment from other male rickshaw drivers. That is because this job is not common for women in Bangladesh. So, when they see me working in the streets, they automatically judge me and pass disrespectful comments. But I ignore the comments and go by my work. I know no one will help me and they can only make fun of me.

When my daughter was one year old, my husband left me and got married to another woman. I had two daughters to take care of. I made it my life goal to give them good education and better life. And that’s why I continue to do this job.

Interviewer: Tell us about your parents.

My parents are old and they are also very poor. My dad has been ill fort the last couple of years and he’s not able to help me financially.

Interviewer: One last question for you! Everyone has a dream that they want to fulfill. Do you have a dream that you’d like to complete in life?

My only dream was to have a happy family with my husband and children. But after my husband left me, I don’t have any other dreams. I’m just living to raise my daughters well.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for your time sister. I wish you all the best!

Signing off MD Omor Faruk