- Sunday, February 23, 2025
Arti said after receiving the award that she has discovered a new sense of independence — a life where I can rely on myself, and thanked The Prince’s Trust and the administration of Bahraich district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
By: Shubham Ghosh
ARTI from India was on May 21 was conferred the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award at The Prince’s Trust Awards ceremony at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London.
The young woman, who has been supported by The Prince’s Trust International, received the award sponsored by Prince’s Trust Enterprise Ambassador Charlotte Tilbury MBE at the star-studded event.
Established under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, previously the Prince of Wales, The Prince’s Trust International, which became The King’s Trust International, extends its reach to young individuals in 20 nations, offering assistance through employment, educational, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
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The award recognises the global work of young women who have succeeded against the odds and made a lasting difference to those around them.
The Prince’s Trust Awards celebrate young people who have participated in Prince’s Trust programmes around the world. Other guests at the ceremony included Edward Enninful OBE, DJ Cuppy and Maro Itoje among many others.
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Arti has shattered stereotypes to become one of the first pink e-rickshaw drivers in Bahraich in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, providing safe transport for other women, and inspiring other girls in her village.
She is, quite literally, driving change.
In July 2023, Project Lehar, delivered in partnership with Prince’s Trust International and the Aga Khan Foundation, introduced Arti to the Indian government’s Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, an initiative aimed at empowering women and expanding their income earning opportunities.
Under the scheme, pink e-rickshaws were provided by the Bahraich district administration in Uttar Pradesh, with a subsidy for women drivers. The scheme aims to increase employment opportunities for vulnerable women – especially widows and single mothers like Arti – while also improving women’s access to safe transport, thereby increasing their mobility and independence.
Arti attended a reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday (22), entering on a pink rickshaw, symbolising her drive for change. More than just a mode of transport, the rickshaw symbolises an idea and a movement.
After receiving her award, Aarti said, “I would like to express my gratitude to Project Lehar, the Prince’s Trust International, the Bahraich district administration, for their immense support and for connecting me to this initiative. Through them, I have discovered a new sense of independence—a life where I can rely on myself. I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. This newfound independence has allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfil not only my dreams but also those of my daughter.”
Amal Clooney said, “I am honoured that the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award is able to spotlight and celebrate extraordinary young women. This year’s winner, Arti, is an inspirational example of someone whose trailblazing work in a typically male arena makes women in her community safer. Arti is determined to create a world where her daughter will not face the obstacles that she has faced, and she is already making a difference through her example.”
