A rickshaw driver from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, who is eighteen years old, was ecstatic to meet King Charles III at Buckingham Palace this week after winning a prestigious award for women’s empowerment in London.
Following her meeting with the 75-year-old monarch on Wednesday, Arti accepted the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award, named after the well-known human rights attorney, at the Prince’s Trust Awards in London.
Through her work with the government’s Pink E-rickshaw initiative, which offers safe transportation for other women on a mission to literally drive change, she was recognized for inspiring other young girls.
“I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. This newfound independence has allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfil not only my dreams but also those of my daughter,” said Arti, who has a five-year-old daughter for whom she has bought some cake and a pair of shoes on her very first visit to London.
“It has been an unbelievably amazing experience, meeting the King who was so nice and sent his namaste to my family back home too. He also listened carefully as I spoke about how much I love driving my e-rickshaw, which does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but one that I charge at home every night,” she shared, speaking in Hindi.
Established by King Charles during his tenure as the Prince of Wales, the Prince’s Trust International will now become the King’s Trust International. It will carry on its mission of providing employment, education, and enterprise opportunities to youth in 20 countries. The Prince’s Trust women’s empowerment award honors the contributions made by young women throughout the world who have overcome adversity to succeed and leave a lasting impact on those around them.
“This year’s winner, Arti, is an inspirational example of someone whose trailblazing work in a typically male arena makes women in her community safer. Arti is determined to create a world where her daughter will not face the obstacles that she has faced, and she is already making a difference through her example,” said Amal Clooney, the British activist-barrister after whom the award is named.
Arti arrived at the Buckingham Palace reception in a pink rickshaw, demonstrating the vehicle’s potential as a sustainable form of transportation as well as its potential as an idea and movement.
Arti was first introduced to the Pink E-Rickshaw program by the Indian government in July 2023 through Project Lehar, which is run in collaboration with Prince’s Trust International and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). The program’s goal is to empower women and increase their access to income-generating opportunities throughout India. The Bahraich district administration offered pink e-rickshaws with a subsidy for female drivers as part of an innovative scheme.
The scheme aims to increase employment opportunities for vulnerable women, especially widows and single mothers like Arti, while also improving women’s access to safe transport, thereby increasing their mobility and independence.
“Arti truly embodies the courage, perseverance and determination to succeed against all odds, emerging as a role model for women in her village. We are immensely grateful for our partnership with the Prince’s Trust International that has enabled us to support young women to realise their dreams and aspirations. Here’s to many more Arti’s – believe in yourself, and never let anything dim the light of your ambitions,” said Tinni Sawhney, CEO of AKF (India), who accompanied Arti to the award ceremony and also helped interpret for her.
Will Straw, CEO of the Prince’s Trust International, added: “I am so proud of Arti on winning this year’s women’s empowerment award. She is breaking societal barriers and setting an example through her strength and determination.
“Our work in India gives young people the opportunity to build valuable life skills and find meaningful work. Through Project Lehar and our partnerships with the Aga Khan Foundation, we will continue supporting young women to achieve their ambitions.”
