inDrive Empowers First Women Drivers through Driving Naari Nepal

KATHMANDU: Global mobility platform inDrive has successfully completed the first cohort of its Driving Naari Nepal programme, certifying 10 women after three months of professional two-wheeler driver training aimed at expanding economic opportunities for women in Nepal.

Launched in April 2026, the initiative was created to help women from underserved communities enter Nepal’s mobility sector by providing practical riding skills, road safety education, self-defence training, and support in obtaining a driver’s licence. The programme seeks to break social barriers that have traditionally limited women’s participation in professional driving.

Road safety formed a key part of the curriculum, with participants receiving formal traffic safety instruction, practical riding lessons, and assistance throughout the licensing process. Each graduate was also provided with a helmet, first-aid kit, and medical kit, while FightBack Nepal delivered self-defence training to improve personal safety and confidence.

The certification ceremony in Kathmandu brought together government representatives, partner organisations, media, and special guests, including inDrive Nepal Brand Ambassador Swastima Khadka. All 10 participants received certificates and safety kits, while one graduate won an electric scooter, three received smartphones, and six were awarded smartwatches to support their professional driving careers.

Representatives from inDrive said the programme is designed not only to create employment opportunities but also to improve women’s access to transportation, education, healthcare, and other essential services. The company believes increasing the number of women drivers will provide passengers with more choice while making Nepal’s ride-hailing industry more inclusive.

Operating in more than 1,200 cities across 48 countries, inDrive says it plans to build on the success of the first Driving Naari Nepal cohort and continue expanding similar initiatives that promote fair opportunities and women’s economic empowerment.