Vankadarath Saritha has made history by becoming the first ever woman recruited to drive a public bus in Dehli. The 30-year old, who formerly worked as a chauffeur, underwent four weeks training before starting a day shift with the Delhi Transport Corporation. Saritha told the Times of India she hopes her new position will help encourage female passengers to use the service, and to feel less intimidated on public transport. Image via The Hindu Times The eldest of five daughters, Saritha said she hopes her new role will show her sisters that a woman can work in any job she wants to pursue in the Indian city: “It will be a challenge as the reputation of drivers isn’t so good, but I would follow all the rules and especially keep women safety in mind. "One of my sisters is also a driver with Meru Cabs. I want to give a message to the women in our society that no job is meant only for men. Women can do anything if they value their potential." The news comes following international outrage after a 23-year old student was fatally gang-raped on a city bus in 2012. Speaking at her appointment to the job, RS Minhas of the Delhi Transport Corporation said: “Having a woman driver will help improve the image of our service. We had received seven to eight applications and we hired Saritha. Now we will advertise again and hire more women drivers.”