'If She Can Do It, So Can I': How Ritika, Founder of Queens Drive Club, Is Breaking Barriers in India’s Male-Dominated Car Culture

This simple observation sparked a revolution. Ritika realised that "the idea was born in space, as men would buy the cars, and women were usually just passengers. I wanted to change the mindset that women can take the driver's seat with confidence."

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More Than Just Cars: The Therapy of Freedom

For Ritika, driving represents something deeper than just transportation. "Driving for me has always been a source of inspiration, confidence, and even therapy. It helps you disconnect from stress, listen to music and feel a rush of freedom," she explains. During the pandemic, this became even more meaningful as she recognised "how underrated that experience was and how powerful it could be for women."

Queens Drive Club emerged from this understanding that "women deserve to be in the driver's seat, not just literally but symbolically too. It is not only about cars but also about building a supportive community where people from different walks of life can come together, empowering women, breaking stereotypes and celebrating confidence and independence."

Facing the Road Blocks: Overcoming Stereotypes

The journey hasn't been without challenges. Ritika faced the harsh reality that "when people see a woman driving a supercar, the first reaction is often surprise, followed by judgment. Many people assume it is not her car or that she cannot drive it well."

But she found her solution in persistence and community building. "The way I overcame it was by consistently showing up and driving with confidence. Over time, action speaks louder than assumptions, and the joy of being behind the wheel matters more than the opinions of some strangers around me."

This experience shaped her vision for QDC: "I wanted to make a difference and build a community where women can share that same passion with other women without any hesitation and feel encouraged without any fear of being judged. Once women see other women driving, it breaks the stereotype and inspires them to step in too."

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The Ripple Effect: When Confidence Spreads

What makes Queens Drive Club truly special is how it transforms lives beyond the road. Ritika has witnessed incredible transformations: "Many of our members are strong leaders, visionary CEOs, mothers, and entrepreneurs, but they never imagined themselves driving a supercar. And the moment they did, something changed, and they realised that if one woman can do it, so can they."

She believes this confidence transfer is crucial, "That confidence translates directly into life and work. Just as driving requires focus, responsibility, and decision-making in the moment. Leadership also calls for clarity and the ability to drive your own path."

Building a Sisterhood on Wheels

The power of QDC lies in its community spirit. "What makes this network powerful is the shared spirit of inspiration," Ritika notes. "Many women who joined had never imagined themselves driving a sports car, even when they had one at home. But the moment they saw the other woman driving confidently and taking on the wheel, it sparked confidence."

This creates a beautiful cycle of empowerment: "The sense of encouragement comes from the community, and it is not just about driving together; it is about building a community where women empower each other and break stereotypes, embrace new roles, and celebrate themselves."

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Taking That First Turn: A Message to Every Woman

For women who feel intimidated by driving, Ritika's message is clear and empowering: "For many women, driving still feels like a hurdle because of how society has made us think that women should be passengers rather than drivers. But I truly believe that women are taking the driver's seat, and not just in cars, but in life."

Her advice is refreshingly simple: "Do not wait for anyone's permission. That first step behind the wheel is not only about mobility; it's about independence, confidence, and breaking stereotypes." She encourages women to "start small, take that first drive, enjoy the freedom, and remember that you are in control of your own journey."

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A Vision for Tomorrow

Ritika's vision extends far beyond luxury cars. "My larger vision is creating a movement where women are not only passengers but also drivers, both on the road and in life," she shares. "It was never just about cars when I first started; it was about giving women a voice, a space, and a choice."

For India's automotive future, she envisions transformation: "I want women to be seen not just as buyers but as active participants, decision-makers, and leaders. I see a future where it's normal for a woman to walk into a luxury showroom to buy her dream car, where driving is equally linked to both women and men."

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Through Queens Drive Club, Ritika isn't just changing lanes; she's paving an entirely new road for women's empowerment, one drive at a time. As she puts it, "This vision is about empowerment: using the simple joy of driving to spark larger changes in mindset and opportunities for women in India."

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