Srinagar

In six months, Rabiya Yaseen, Kashmir's first woman truck driver, has ferried goods to and from half the Indian states; at times carrying her four-year-old daughter as her companion.

Rabiya’s husband Imtiaz Ahmed Mir is also a truck driver.

Rabiya Yasin of Parnote, Ramban, married Muhammad Imtiaz Ahmed Mir of Wakherwan area of south Kashmir's Pulwama District, six years ago. Initially, she drove her husband's truck out of curiosity and as an amateur. Gradually, she started enjoying it and thought why not make it her profession?

One day she told her husband, "Why don't you let me learn proper driving?" Imtiaz Ahmed had no problem with his wife joining his profession.

Rabiya Yaseen inside her truck

“In less than a year, I have driven a truck on the roads of almost half of the major states of India, it is an amazing feeling, but it also presents challenges,” Rabiya said.

“I am grateful that my choice has been appreciated so far, Alhamdulillah,” Rabiya said, considering the rise of social media and the empowerment of Kashmiri girls in male-dominated sectors, especially for a woman. She shares her experiences through Rabiya Vlogs 786 on Instagram.

"The overwhelming love and support I received from people inspired me to continue breaking barriers," she said. "Society, especially in Kashmir, people are biased against women. However, whether you take them or yourself seriously depends on the mindset of an individual. When a person is determined to move forward with hard work and dedication, every path leads to success."

Rabiya Yaseen eating at a restaurant in Hyderabad

She however says Kashmir is also changing. "It is no longer like the old Kashmir, where women limited their dreams to becoming Queens of their kitchen."

She emphasized that now there is freedom to pursue their dreams and live life according to personal preferences. However, dedication is essential, especially for girls, to achieve these goals.

Rabiya says that many people say that poverty and helplessness must have forced her to drive a truck, but this is not the truth. "I have adopted this profession not out of helplessness but because I like it."

"I was fond of driving heavy vehicles. Luckily I got married to a truck driver. When I told my husband about my hobby, he was happy and agreed to teach me how to drive a truck. I learned to drive a truck in three to four months."

Trucker Rabiya Yaseen

She said, "today, I have a license to drive a heavy vehicle and I carry goods not only to Kashmir but also to different corners of the country by crossing the Jawahar Tunnel."

Rabiya says that in Islam women are not prohibited from working at home or outside, but there are strict instructions to stay veiled and within limits while working. She said - I follow this.

Today people are shocked to see me driving a truck, but later a smile comes on their faces.

She said that she has a one-year-old daughter. Sometimes she takes her daughter along with her in the truck. She too is very happy during the journey.

ALSO READ: Fatima Jalid of NIT Srinagar is among 75 Indian women in chemistry featured in a book

Rabiya's mother-in-law Shahnaz Begum says, "I am proud of my daughter-in-law. She had expressed her hobby. Her husband had no objection. Even if she was my daughter, I would have definitely supported her. When she is at home, she helps me with my work. My daughter-in-law can drive a truck as long as she wants."