Veera Pengal Munnetra Sangam – Cooperative Registration, the first step towards empowerment
Veera Pengal Munnetra Sangam (VPMS), meaning Association for the Progress of Heroic Women, is a Chennai-based collective of women working as autorickshaw, cab, and delivery vehicle drivers. What began as informal solidarity among a few women has grown into a strong example of how cooperation can create safety, dignity, and economic opportunity.
The journey of these women transportation workers, from a WhatsApp group to a formal union and eventually a worker-owned cooperative, reflects years of determination and perseverance.
The collective was initiated by A. Mohanasundari, a former beautician and small business owner whose income was affected during the pandemic. When she began driving an auto, she faced resistance, exclusion from stands, and daily prejudice. Instead of withdrawing, she started reaching out to other women drivers she met on the road.
Informal conversations developed into a WhatsApp network where women exchanged route information, fare tips, safety advice, and emotional support. From six members, the group expanded rapidly. Many members are single mothers or primary caregivers, and driving provides essential income and independence. However, they continue to face harassment, lack of rest facilities, and difficulty accessing government schemes, which are often more accessible to organised male unions.
Recognising the need for a stronger institutional structure, the group formally registered as a union in April 2024. With support from community organisers, VPMS introduced training, media exposure, and small financial mechanisms, including monthly contributions from members to assist with documentation, emergencies, and insurance.
As visibility increased, the commitment to becoming a registered cooperative strengthened. In October 2024, four VPMS members, Mohanasundari, Leela Rani, Sangeetha, and Divya, won the COOP Pitch competition organised by ICA-AP at IIM Kozhikode, India, followed by major recognitions.
Their work received international attention through Auto Queens, a documentary directed by Sraiyanti, which became the first South Indian short documentary to premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). It has since been selected for other well-known festivals. Mohanasundari also received honours from the World Resources Institute, the Kamla Bhasin Award, and the Devi Award.
Beyond these achievements, the most important milestone has been the formal registration of VPMS as Tamil Nadu’s first cooperative in the transportation sector that is worker-owned, managed, and led entirely by women.
The registration process involved significant challenges. Members, organisers, and legal advisors had to address numerous queries from authorities, including the Deputy Registrar, Additional Registrar, and Assistant Registrar. Requirements included clarifications on feasibility, financial planning, technical capacity, and governance arrangements. Special attention was required in drafting by-laws to ensure autonomy and independence while complying with the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Act, 1983, and upholding cooperative principles. Many of these discussions demanded collective learning and internal decision-making, often without prior preparation or experience.
This is how the Veera Pengal Women’s Transportation Workers Cooperative Society was registered. The experience highlighted key lessons: the importance of grassroots organising, member unity, and the role of committed advocates working for community well-being. These elements proved essential not only for completing registration but also for building long-term sustainability.
Picture Credit: VPMS, Chennai