There's A Taxi Service For Women In Mumbai Run By Female Martial Artists
Viira Cabs is run by women and for women.
Ever since a woman was allegedly raped by an Uber driver in New Delhi, the subject of women's safety on Indian transport has been in the headlines.

Now there is a new taxi firm, Viira Cabs, which is run strictly by women, for women, and whose drivers are trained in martial arts and armed with knives and pepper spray.

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Driver Anita Manney, 35, told Barcroft Media: “We feel safe. Before I used to feel insecure but Viira has taught us safety measures."

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It was created by 35-year-old entrepreneur and social activist Preeti Sharma Menon.

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Many of the Viira drivers are the only people who earn money in their family.

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Cab driver Raju Chergat, 36, told Barcroft: “Before, my salary was very low, but now my income has gone up - so it makes a difference."

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She said: “I am independent. I am not under anyone’s dominance. I am master of my own will and I can take care of my household.”

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Photographer and regular Viira Cabs passenger Sajna Sivan told Barcroft Media: “I am a photographer, so I have lot of late nights."

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"So when that happens I don’t want to randomly take a car with all equipment. I’d rather get someone with whom I feel comfortable."
"I usually feel safe travelling but there are times when it gets darker and you have random people making remarks."

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