In a bold display of grit and global sisterhood, 35 women entrepreneurs set off on a 1,000-km auto-rickshaw rally from Chennai to Goa.
“As the founder of the group, I see this as both a challenging and adventurous experience — and an opportunity to prove that women can endure the toughest situations and emerge victorious. When it is combined with a social cause, the sense of fulfilment is even greater,” says Emma Sayle, founder of Kensington & Chelsea Group (KK Group), UK. Blending endurance, camaraderie and philanthropy, the rally highlights the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs, while reinforcing their commitment to making a meaningful social impact.
The Sisterhood Group all set for the rally
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The rally flagged off from Chennai at 9 a.m. on March 3. For the participants, the journey in an auto-rickshaw blends adventure with purpose, using travel as a platform to raise funds and awareness for causes supporting women and children. “We learned to drive an auto-rickshaw in just two days, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed riding around the city. Now, we are really looking forward to the road trip,” says Frankie James, who runs a publishing firm in the UK and also took part in the rally last year.
Organised in collaboration with The Sisterhood Group, the rally will drive across cities, towns and highways, symbolising determination, solidarity and a shared commitment to creating meaningful social impact.
“Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to drive an auto-rickshaw and face unexpected challenges is a valuable life experience that boosts self-confidence,” says Frankie James. “We realise that women often endure more than men and can multitask efficiently. Most of us stay in touch with our colleagues and even participate in business meetings while on the trip,” adds Emma Sayle.
For Darcy Croft, a new grandmother, this marks her maiden trip to India. Formerly a midwife with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, she recently left her role to embark on a new journey as an entrepreneur. “I was grappling with the unexpected death of one of my patients, who was full-term pregnant. That was when Emma invited me to join this rally in India. As the funds raised will be used for women’s development, maternal health and sustainable livelihood programmes, I joined without a second thought,” says Darcy, as she displays a box of her newly launched product for lactating mothers, manufactured by her company.
On day one, the participants will reach Vellore. From there, they will travel onward to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Bhatkal, before finally arriving in Goa on Day Seven. “This rally demonstrates how global collaboration can create grassroots impact. It blends adventure with accountability, creating leaders who engage, understand, and build lasting change,” says Ulagu Palaniappan Circler from Madras Midtown Ladies Circle 7. The 2025 rally raised over ₹1 crore with 52 participants. This year’s edition is smaller and more focused, led by Emma Sayle, with an emphasis on deeper engagement and impact.
Darcey Croft
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Professional tour operators, Travel scientists, oversees the licensing process to manage logistics, safety, and on-road support throughout the rally. “We manage minor setbacks such as change of tyre or fixing the engine by ourselves. We reach out to the mechanics’ team only when we’re unable to manage it,” says Frankie. The rally team is followed by a support bus carrying luggage, spare parts and other essentials.
Supported locally by Madras Midtown Round Table 42 (MMRT42) and Madras Midtown Ladies Circle 7 (MMLC7), the auto rickshaw expedition is more than an adventure, it is a powerful mission. Let’s Goa 2026 demonstrates how global collaboration can create grassroots impact. Donations for the initiative continue to be welcomed through the Sisterhood Rally 2026 online portal.
The team will be followed by a support bus
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Founded in 2006, The Sisterhood Group has consistently undertaken extreme challenges to raise funds for charitable causes. Their past initiatives include dragon boating across the English Channel, competing in the Amazon Raft Race, and participating in the Marathon des Sables.
Published – March 04, 2026 12:35 pm IST
