In a groundbreaking achievement, Annapoorani Rajkumar, aged 40, etched her name in history as the first woman trucker to cross the border into Bangladesh. Her arrival at the Petrapole border checkpost, after a gruelling 10-day journey spanning roughly 1,000 kilometres from Tamil Nadu, marked a significant milestone in a domain predominantly occupied by men.
As per The Times of India, "Rajkumar arrived at Petrapole on Saturday night, steering a truck laden with cotton yarn sourced from Visakhapatnam SEZ," stated Kamlesh Saini, the manager of the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) at Petrapole.
Overcoming Hurdles
Saini highlighted the numerous logistical challenges Rajkumar encountered during her voyage, notably the absence of restroom facilities tailored for women along the national highways. "Despite these hurdles, she managed to secure accommodations in hotels where she could park her truck," Saini added. Rajkumar's options were limited as she refrained from seeking lodging at roadside dhabas, primarily dominated by men, and was denied entry to customary resting spots for drivers.
Coordination with Bangladeshi authorities ensured Rajkumar received expedited clearance to cross the border, adhering to LPAI guidelines tailored for women. "We coordinated with Bangladeshi authorities to promptly unload the cotton from her truck, facilitating her swift passage back to Petrapole by 12:30 pm. The expedited process is a departure from the usual lengthy wait times trucks endure at the border," Saini remarked. Communication with Rajkumar, who only spoke Tamil, was mediated through her co-driver, who possessed limited proficiency in Hindi.
Gender Inclusivity
Upon her return from Bangladesh, Rajkumar was accommodated in a women's dormitory equipped with separate facilities, reflecting a nascent effort to eliminate gender biases and encourage female participation in roles such as customs clearing and forwarding agents.
Kartick Chakraborty, the secretary of the Petrapole C&F Agents Welfare Association, disclosed discontent among senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials during their recent visit to Petrapole from Delhi, noting the entrenched male dominance in the area.
"Rekha Raikar Kumar, a member of LPAI, convened a meeting on March 19 at Petrapole, urging us to foster a conducive environment for female workers. We are committed to promoting gender diversity and intend to actively encourage women to engage in border-related professions. However, apprehensions persist, particularly after sunset, evident in the predominance of male hotel staff," Chakraborty remarked, underscoring the ongoing efforts to cultivate a more inclusive workplace environment.
Rajkumar's achievement serves as a beacon of change, challenging long-held gender stereotypes and paving the way for more women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity have inspired others to break through glass ceilings and embrace their dreams without constraints.
Image Courtesy: X
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