A 36-year-old woman from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has made history by becoming the first female truck driver in Kashmir. Rabiya Yaseen, who has defied societal norms and stereotypes, is now a trailblazer in a profession traditionally dominated by men.
Rabiya’s journey began with a love for driving. Married to Mohammad Imtiyaz four years ago, she initially drove smaller vehicles. Encouraged by her husband, Rabiya soon made the transition to heavy trucks, obtained a valid driving license, and began driving long-distance across the country. She now travels to states such as Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Telangana.
“I always had a passion for driving, and with my husband’s support, I started driving trucks,” Rabiya told Rising Kashmir. Her achievement has gained significant attention, with a viral photo of her behind the wheel bringing her story to national media outlets.
In a region where women in the transport industry are virtually unheard of, Rabiya has found strong support within her family. “Rabiya always wanted to drive a truck. She expressed her desire, and we all supported her decision,” said her mother-in-law, Shehnaza Begum.
Despite the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, Rabiya’s determination has remained steadfast. “It was difficult, but we all supported her in overcoming these challenges,” Shehnaza added.
For the past three years, Rabiya has been driving across India, challenging traditional gender roles with each mile. Her story highlights the potential of women when they are given the right support and opportunities, standing as an inspiration for others in Kashmir and beyond.
