Have you ever wondered why there are fewer women behind the steering wheel of buses?
There are number of reasons, one being the perception amongst women that this job is a male preserve. The other could be the shift work or the flexibility of the working hours which may not suit a young family with kids. Additionally, it could be low self-confidence of female drivers in a male dominated industry.
For a new perspective, SBS Punjabi spoke to Amandeep and Harmanpreet who have recently shattered the Punjabi community stereotype that women can’t be bus drivers – they work for Hills Buses in Sydney.
Below listen to Aman and Harman's full interview (in Punjabi) with 's :
While talking about her driving interests, Amandeep told SBS that she belongs to a family that has a transport business in Punjab, India.
“My father was into transport industry and I always had fascination towards big vehicles. I wanted to, but driving trucks is not a female thing in India.”
“When I moved here in Sydney, I was amazed to see that there are no gender limitations here.”
“My husband Navdeep Singh was very supportive to help me follow my passion of driving big vehicles.”
“I have heard some really weird stories about how men lose temper when they teach women driving. But my experience was very soothing, thanks to my husband.”
“I won’t say that community was too negative about my bus driving skills. Initially, there were some who couldn’t absorb the idea, but in the end, they turned out to be admirers. I’d say it’s smooth sailing so far.”
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“I took my job seriously. My focus and a duty of care towards my fellow passengers helps me achieve job satisfaction.”
“I have never faced any form of racism during my job as a bus driver.”
“In fact, I come across hundreds of smiling faces in a day’s work, which is bonus for working as a bus driver.”
Aman’s International Women Day message -
“Don’t underestimate yourself. There is nothing women can’t achieve. If you have dedication and discipline, you can achieve what you want.”
Harmanpreet Kaur sitting behind the steering wheel Source: Supplied
“I had a career in childcare. But I was struggling to get enough working hours. I wanted something stable and better paid work,” says Harman.
“Most of the bus companies that I know of operate fixed rotating rosters and offer flexible working hours depending on your experience. In fact, this is the prime reason why I joined as bus driver at the first place.”
“Driving is a male dominated industry. But it used to strike my mind why can’t we do it.”
“It was a challenge. There were a few in the community who were bit negative about the idea of me driving a bus. The fact was that they were a bit afraid and not that they didn’t want me to.”
“But I knew my capabilities. It is just another job. If anyone else can, why can’t I?”
“My husband had his luck to train me drive a car. But I tested his patience and later I’d to take some professional driving lessons.”
“Once I was perfect with car driving, I moved on to get a special heavy license, which is a bit more difficult than getting a regular driving license.”
“My husband Dimpy Snadhu and a family friend Prabhjot bhaji were always there to help me gain the much-needed confidence.”
“Like any other job the first few days were a bit tough esp learning new routes. But after a short while, it all became normal.”
“My fellow passengers are now convinced that I’m a good driver. I often get good reviews from them, which increases my level of job satisfaction.”
“Being a woman can be an incredibly demanding job. Let it be looking after kids and kitchen. I feel like I’m resting more in the bus while driving. And why not, driving is my passion.”
Harman’s International Women Day message –
“Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t be shy, don’t be a quitter. Just realize your potential and fight hard. The initial bits can be tough but then it’s a silky way.”
Source: Supplied
