What we know as VPMS today,started as a Whatsapp group
ECTE started working with VPMS and the collective started growing (Veera Pengal Munnetra Sangam)
VPMS gained formal recognition
ECTE & Storiculture collaborate & use media & media training for greater visibility
The Auto Queens film has its World Premiere
Identify upskilling opportunities for women drivers
Strengthen income streams and enable career diversification
Conduct media literacy workshops to foster storytelling and expression
Encourage narrative ownership to address gender disparity
Build shared identity among informal sector workers
Advocate for inclusion, fair pay, and safer conditions
When communities reclaim their narratives, they steer the ship of change. By telling their stories, they reshape perception and influence the decisions that affect them.
(May 2024)
5 Days | 60 Women | Countless Stories
A five-day digital literacy and storytelling program that brought together 60 women auto drivers to learn how to tell their stories using digital tools.
Camp 2 was planned with the sole focus of deepening the women's engagement with media for advocacy. For the past 6 months in the lead-up to the camp, we saw increased effort and engagement from the women with their involvement in social media.
“Each of us in VPMS has our own journey. Social media lets us tell our stories with dignity, so other women know we exist – and that they can stand strong too.”
– Divya
“As single parents, sharing our stories online shows others that life can be rebuilt with strength. VPMS supports us, and now more people are seeing and respecting our journey.”
– Sangeeta
“We were once afraid of social media. But with training, we learned to use it confidently – to show our work, our unity, and that women drivers are everywhere in Chennai.”
– Mohana
“Each of us in VPMS has our own journey. Social media lets us tell our stories with dignity, so other women know we exist – and that they can stand strong too.”
–Divya
Making women auto drivers visible in public and media.
Shifting perceptions about women's right to occupy public space.
Building toward gender parity in India's mobility sector.
*Attribution: Our impact framework is inspired by the Impact Field Guide developed by Doc Society, which helps filmmakers and changemakers measure how stories spark awareness, shift attitudes, and inspire action.
Be part of the journey toward gender parity on India's streets.