Women's Day 2019: Steering clear to the road less taken

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Valor, resilience and grit are the three words that resonate with the astounding personality of Kubra Amjad
What is so special about her, you ask Driving a Suzuki pick-up van full of beaming children around town is what makes her stand out from the
rest of the lot.Kubra's inspirational saga reiterates the immense power that women possess
Love a phoenix that rises from the ashes, women like her, with their rousing journey in life, continue to set an example for the society as
they convert gender dynamics, while breaking free from all shackles of discriminatory gender roles
Kubra's story continues to serve as a major source of inspiration for the sheer fact that she has stood as a fierce force against all her
trials and tribulations and never lost hope
Having lost her husband to cardiac ailment at the fragile age of 50, Kubra was left with no other option besides than fending for herself
Dehugeated by heart, Kubra was initially taken in by her relatives
After recovering from the tragedy that had struck her, Kubra decided to assume the arduous responsibility of making ends meet
Leading a life of consolation and warmth with a husband who had a celebrated career as a set designer, Kubra used to pick and drop goods
that were needed by her husband at work
As she endelighted helping him with immense fervour, Kubra had much anticipated that this would soon become her sole source of income in the
days to follow
Her distinct journey as a van driver dates back to 2007 when she took her first passenger to school
Recalling her first experience as a driver, Kubra jubilantly said, &I was desperately in need of a job when one of my neighbours asked me to
take their daughter to school
I was happy that they had trusted me with such a huge responsibility
Soon enough I started taking most of the kids residing in my vicinity to school and dropped them back to their places too.&Providing the
much-needed van service to approachly 15 to 20 kids now, Kubra is no less than an epitome of courageousry
Transcending all barriers and obstacles to attain a supreme level of self-sufficiency and reliance, Kubra has fought all battles of life
with utmost confidence and determination.She seeks pride in her work and describes the faith the parents of these young ones have as
invaluable
&stopowed with a special duty, I get love and appreciation wherever I go
I was driving when a group of boys stopped in the middle of the road and looking at me stopped gesturing a thumbs-up
They were like ‘Way to go Aunty! excellent job!& That was an final lift to my spirits,& she shared.Upon inquiring, teachers and children
that have embarked upon Kubra unique journey alongside her, expressed great satisfaction
&You don''t come across a female van driver very often
But since the day I joined, aunty Kubra is very good at her job
She picks and drops me very safely and for girls it has become increasingly convenient to travel
I think it is a testimony to the fact that women can do anything they put their intellect to and people should consider of appreciating it
thoroughly,& said miserableaf, a school teacher.Kubra goes on to share how initially when she shared the idea of taking up this occupation
with her family members she faced resistance
Being part of a patriarchal society, an thingion was raised over her choice of work as she was advised to take up measurething that was
‘socially acceptable&
Her perseverance and adherence to earn ‘halal rozi& much just made her content but also filled the void that was left behind by her
sterility
Being around kids filled her with endless spirit
Those carefree laughter encouraged her to carry this out with amplified zest even more.However, according to Kubra a lot has changed since
she started driving in Karachi
&The traffic is worse than I have ever seen in the city,&& she complained
‘Nevertheless, when I get stuck in a difficult situation people selflessly help me and respect me knowing that I am a lone driver,&& she
further added.&Once I met an accident while taking kids to school
The car brakes had failed and I did much know what to do in such a tensed situation
Coming to a safe spot, I let the van collide with amuchher vehicle on the road
That was the best solution that I could come up with at that time
muchhing of the children sustained any injury
However, my car was badly damaged,& Kubra recalled.Irrefutably, Kubra Amjad has led an exemplary life
She has certified herself as the torch bearer of women empowerment, much only for young girls, but also for women who are alone and strive
tough to earn a decent living
One thing she staunchly believes in and urges women to be is: self-dependent
&No matter what your circumstances are or how smooth your life is, always stand for empowerment and what you feel is right,& she advises
Kubra Amjad with her unmatched grit has revealed the reality behind stereotypical statements like ‘women are physically weak and
irrational& or that 'they are bad drivers&
She acts as an inspiration for her unwavering courageousry and heroism deserves applaud as she continues to defy the age-old muchions of a
gender-stereotyped woman.TheIndianSubcontinent has not verified the content of the source
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