Raginee Gungapersad

The main lesson I learned during my training sessions at Gender Links in 2013 is to love myself. I am very grateful to the National Empowerment Foundation for introducing this organisation to me. I did not miss one day of the training. Such training enabled me to understand the difference between righteousness and wrongness.  I started to wonder what I really want out of life. A few years ago I had no aim in my life. Presently I have set many goals for my family and me. Each and everything about the course helped me in one way or another.

Before I first became a mother I worked as a machinist in factories and as a security guard. After that I worked as a housemaid and babysitter to earn a living. I did not stop working even when I left my husband to live again with my parents. My husband and his mother did not show any respect or regard for me. When I first joined Gender Links, I was a depressed and anxious individual. I felt humiliated and rejected at my husband’s house. After interaction with Gender Links agents I decided to fight for my right. My parents and brother supported me both morally and financially. My mother was seriously ill and I took great care of her. I was again depressed when she died.

I also took a course dispensed by the National Empowerment Foundation. They referred me to the Aryasabha foundation where I was employed as a case worker. I enjoyed being a social worker, I felt good about myself. Meanwhile I was trying to understand my own aspirations. What do I really want to do in life? I always wanted to drive therefore I joined a driving school. It was not that easy to afford driving lessons but with my housemaid salary I could obtain a driving license after only three months. Even if my mother-in-law and I had issues she accepted to take care of my children while I went off to learn driving.

Today I aspire to become a taxi driver. I am looking forward to apply for a permit. I also endeavour to obtain a driver’s license for other type of vehicles than a family car. I would like to have a truck and a bus driver’s license. I am independent woman and can easily rely on myself. My father gifted me a car. I aspire to buy a newer one after I become a professional taxi driver. Administrative procedures to obtain a taxi driver patent take a lot of time. But I am determined to succeed.

My husband and I are back together as a couple again after two years of separation; but we still do not live together. I firmly decided that I will not go back to live with his family again. My husband seems proud of me though he initially told me that I will not be able to obtain a driving license. He apologised for his behaviour and acknowledged my independency. My father and brother also think that I am a stronger woman now. I am satisfied with my life.

I give non-remunerated driving lessons to women of my family. I often drop them or pick them up when they asked me to. I have a great sense of direction and orientation. Even if I may not be familiar with all the places in Mauritius I possess the ability to find my way. I think that I am a good chauffeur. I am always keen to learn new things. I am a much organised person. I believe that I am capable of a lot of things. I am not scared of entering a profession normally meant for men. I believe that women need to be strong and perseverant.

My dream is to work to be able to become financially stable and take care of the future of my children. I want them to grow in a secure environment. Moreover, my mother used to do some hen breeding. I wish to continue this endeavour and turn it into a business. I hope that Gender Links will provide me with the necessary support.