But it’s time we retire the words ‘Swiggy boys’. Especially after the company announced that 2,000 women would join the company as delivery persons by next year March.
Jayalakshmi is Swiggy’s first ever female delivery person in Tamil Nadu, who is often seen delivering yummy food to customers in and around Alwarpet area of Chennai. We at JFW catch up with her while she’s between orders and amidst her busy day, one can sense satisfaction in her voice.
With her home in Red Hills, her delivery zone primarily includes Alwarpet working from 12 in the afternoon till 5 in the evening. It’s been a month now and she has already slipped into that comfort-zone that most employees fast after the initial first weeks.
“Although I am the first woman to join Swiggy in Tamil Nadu as a delivery person, I don’t find any difference. I actually went to them to solve my family problem. I went to ask for work for my husband and asked them if they would take in women. They said they have an idea and took my number. Then they called back and asked me join. I realised that this job wouldn’t be a problem for me,” she said. She works at a clinic in the evenings but riding around all day isn’t a tiring job for her considering she knows Chennai at the back of her palm.
“When I started out, I was taught by a colleague who took me on rounds and showed me the ropes. I did four orders with him before doing it by myself. In fact, even if I get lost, I managed to find help. The men really help me here and I have never felt unsafe or apprehensive,” she shares.
The best part is, upon going for deliveries, customers find it refreshing to see a woman delivery person. “They are all welcoming and some of them even want to take my pictures as it is considered a rarity.
With another order buzzing in her phone, she says she needs to head back to work making our interview brief. Perhaps, you might meet her when you order for food next.
Feature Image Credit: Times Now
