Udaipur, located in southern Rajasthan, is one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. Its stunning lakes, historic monuments, and vibrant culture drew nearly two million visitors from around the world in 2023. Yet, as in much of India, women contribute only 18% to the region’s GDP – one of the lowest rates worldwide – and female labor participation is similarly low. The Lake City Rickshaws initiative aims to change this in Udaipur.
Women make up a large share of the global tourism workforce. In India, however, they remain vastly underrepresented in this sector – and even more so among rickshaw drivers. To change this, the Lake City Rickshaws initiative by our partner ACCESS Development Services is putting women at the center of what has traditionally been a male domain. With support from the DERTOUR Foundation, the initiative has, since 2024, been building on a project that began in Jaipur and laid the foundation for what it is today.
Women from low-income households, mostly between the ages of 18 and 35, are trained to drive e-rickshaws and offer excursions in Udaipur. But that’s not all – ACCESS Development Services also promotes women’s entrepreneurship in India and helps them strengthen their business skills.
Women make up a large share of the global tourism workforce. In India, however, they remain vastly underrepresented in this sector – and even more so among rickshaw drivers. To change this, the Lake City Rickshaws initiative by our partner ACCESS Development Services is putting women at the center of what has traditionally been a male domain. With support from the DERTOUR Foundation, the initiative has, since 2024, been building on a project that began in Jaipur and laid the foundation for what it is today.
Women from low-income households, mostly between the ages of 18 and 35, are trained to drive e-rickshaws and offer excursions in Udaipur. But that’s not all – ACCESS Development Services also promotes women’s entrepreneurship in India and helps them strengthen their business skills.
As co-owners of Lake City Rickshaws, the women gain direct, long-term employment and business opportunities. The project delivers a triple impact:
A steady income strengthens the financial independence of low-income women
Ownership improves social status and empowerment
The eco-friendly E-rickshaws reduce city emissions and improve air quality
A guided rickshaw tour through the streets of Udaipur is one of the highlights of any visit to India.
In this way, DERTOUR guests can experience slow travel in India in all its chaotic and sensory splendour, while the female rickshaw drivers ensure an unforgettable tour.
A guided rickshaw tour through the streets of Udaipur is one of the highlights of any visit to India.
In this way, DERTOUR guests can experience slow travel in India in all its chaotic and sensory splendour, while the female rickshaw drivers ensure an unforgettable tour.
Each year, the DERTOUR Foundation purchases and equips eight e-rickshaws and trains 20 women to work as drivers and guides on tours that showcase Udaipur’s cultural, shopping, and culinary highlights.
The initiative leverages a network of support, including partnerships with local and national authorities, hotels, travel agencies, and technical partners, aligning with Community-Based Tourism (CBT) principles. This strengthens sustainable and responsible tourism – a perfect fit with DERTOUR Group’s business model.
Learn more about our partner,
ACCESS Development Services, on our partner page.
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