Aqsa Iqbal, a dedicated office worker, faced persistent challenges commuting to and from her workplace, covering a daily round trip of approximately 22 kilometers. With limited transportation options in her area, she relied on rickshaws and buses, which were often delayed, unreliable, and costly- consuming roughly Rs. 20,000 of her monthly income. These difficulties also made it challenging to carry out field-related responsibilities efficiently, affecting her overall productivity.
To address this, CEIP provided Aqsa with a scooty loan. She learned to ride within just 15 days and reported facing no harassment during her commute- a concern that often discourages women from adopting independent modes of transportation. She now charges the scooty overnight at home, and it is fully ready each morning for both her office travel and field assignments, making her daily routine convenient and stress-free.
The financial impact has been equally significant. Her monthly loan instalment, along with minimal electricity costs for charging, has replaced her previous transport expenses – freeing up meaningful savings that she is now channeling toward preparing her own dowry, a personal milestone that had previously been difficult to plan for. The scooty has also enhanced her standing within the community. Neighbours, believing the vehicle was provided by her employer, view her with greater respect and admiration. Its benefits extend beyond Aqsa herself, as her sisters also use the scooty, improving mobility for the household and helping normalize women’s independent transportation in their locality.
“I am deeply grateful to CEIP for providing me with this scooty loan. Before this, I spent a large amount every month just to get to work, and field duties were always a challenge. Now, my commute is easy and affordable, and I can manage my responsibilities independently. This support has truly changed my daily life, my confidence, and my future.” Aqsa’s experience demonstrates how access to affordable, independent transportation can serve as a catalyst for women’s economic empowerment. By replacing costly public transport with an accessible financing solution, CEIP has improved her mobility, workplace efficiency, and financial well-being while strengthening her confidence and social standing – reflecting the transformative impact of practical initiatives that advance economic inclusion and gender empowerment.