Pulwama, November 1,2025 : Rabiya Yaseen, a 37-year-old resident of Pulwama, has become South Kashmir’s first female truck driver — defying gender norms and inspiring a new generation of women to follow their passion.
For the past three years, Rabiya has been driving heavy vehicles across India after securing her commercial driving license. Her determination and courage have earned her recognition in a field long dominated by men.
Rabiya began her journey with light motor vehicles before transitioning to heavy trucks. With constant support from her husband and mother-in-law, she overcame societal skepticism and continues to make a living by driving across the country’s highways.
“We always encouraged her when we saw her passion,” said her mother-in-law, Shehnaza Begum, expressing pride in Rabiya’s achievement.
Rabiya’s story stands as a symbol of empowerment and progress in Kashmir, where more women are stepping into unconventional professions, redefining traditional gender roles, and paving the way for others to dream beyond boundaries.
