Kolkata mechanic Sonali Mistry challenges gender stereotypes for nearly three decades
Known as ‘Mechanic Didi’, 53-year-old Sonali Mistry has been repairing motorcycles at her Anwar Shah Road garage for 27 years.
Sonali Mistry, a 53-year-old mechanic, has been repairing motorcycles at a roadside garage on Anwar Shah Road in Kolkata for nearly 27 years, according to Bhaskar English.
Mistry, who is known as ‘Mechanic Didi’, initially learned the trade from her husband, Shankar, to overcome financial difficulties. She eventually mastered the use of tools such as wrenches, axle tools, and sockets.
She and her husband saved money to open their own garage. While Mistry has gained the trust of customers through her experience with two-wheelers, she has also faced scepticism and comments due to her gender.
Although she did not complete her formal education, Mistry aims to provide better educational opportunities for her children. She also dreams of establishing a training institute to teach the art of automobile repair to young boys and girls.
Mistry hopes to pass on her experience to the next generation and encourage them to pursue careers as mechanics without being restricted by gender stereotypes.