Indian women have slowly but surely entered the workplace across sectors over the last thirty years. Today, many women are seen challenging the norms and breaking the barriers by taking on roles that were once reserved for men.
Gender biases and stereotypes are still prevalent across all sectors. Women are still discouraged from taking up some jobs and choosing a particular career path because it is considered a 'man's job'. However, the young women of India are now questioning the status quo and confidently taking up traditional male-dominated jobs.
According to a study by The Times of India, 12-15% of male-dominated jobs are estimated to have been replaced by women! They include bartenders, barbers, chefs, delivery associates, and train/bus drivers, to name a few.
While women have been shining in these roles and other services, they are even taking up the role of a petrol pump attendant.
In 2005, India's first all-woman petrol pump was set up in New Delhi. The entire fuel station was managed and operated by women. From filling petrol to checking tyre pressure, it was all taken care of by women. A few years back, women running a petrol pump was hardly imaginable. But today, one can see them working in several fuel stations across the country. In 2021, the Indian Oil Company Limited (IOCL) announced 83 retail outlets across the country operated by women!
Even in the remote parts of India, more and more fuel stations are hiring a woman as a petrol pump attendant . This has caused a snowball effect, encouraging more women to accept jobs at petrol pump stations as pump attendants . This has led to their financial independence and a boost to their confidence.
The Government of Maharashtra has even launched an innovative training course titled 'Gas Station, Petrol Pump Sevak' for women. Under this program, women will be given training for 7 days with 90 days of on-the-job training. The trained women will be directly employed at state-run petroleum companies' gas stations and petrol pumps.
This program provides employment opportunities and skill development for women from low-income groups, especially in areas where women are not represented.
What is the role of women workers at petrol pumps:
As a petrol pump attendant, you are expected to serve petrol to customers at the filling station. You may also have to check the oil and water of the car and clean the windscreen. You may be required to inspect and fix minor things on motorcars and motorcycles. When customers pay for their petrol/diesel or other purchases, you need to collect payments, return the change or prepare charge slips, if necessary. Undertaking stock control and preparing reports on fuel oil, accessories and other items sold would also be a part of your job profile.
Training needed to be women workers at petrol pumps:
You would get the required training on the job itself. At first, you will be assigned simple tasks such as cleaning the station, serving petrol, and wiping the windscreens. Once you gain some experience, you will be given more advanced work, such as doing simple maintenance tasks on vehicles, fitting car parts and helping keep records.
Working up the ranks may help you advance to various jobs, including cashiers and senior attendant managers.
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