By Grace Kehoe

A Bournemouth entrepreneur is taking part in a 1,200km Tuk-Tuk challenge to raise funds for struggling communities in India.

Jo O’Connell runs a travel business called Jo and Jo – Not Just Travel and a PR company called JellyRock PR.

The challenge, called the Sisterhood Rickshaw Rally 2026 will see 50 women, including Jo driving 1,200km to raise funds for women and girls in India.

They will drive for six days, starting on March 2 and finishing on March 8 in Goa on International Women’s Day.

“We are going to be driving a heavy, rickety TukTuk throughout the crazy city traffic of Chennai” - Jo

Image submitted by Jo O'Connell (Sisterhood TukTuk challenge)

Though her travel business, Jo grew passionate about helping women to travel solo, to explore the world and grow their confidence. Jo herself went to India in the early 2000s, she said that she “fell in love with the country and its people”

Jo will be driving coast to coast with her sister. Along the journey, the group of women will be visiting classrooms and the people that their fundraising will be helping, as well as fully immersing themselves in the Indian culture.

The charity, Sisterhood Group, in partnership with MMRT42, a non-profit, is on a mission to create a lasting impact on struggling communities in Chennai, India.

Their main goals are to build classrooms, empower young women and address postpartum anemia among vulnerable mothers.

The charity focuses on providing real and impactful on-ground expertise. They are aiming to raise £350,000 to support their three initiatives.

Jo O'Connell (Image: Submitted)

Jo O'Connell (Image: Submitted)

Image Submitted by Jo O'Connell

In September, she was approached by the charity who were looking for women to take part and for Jo it was; “The easiest decision to make, because it just ticked all the boxes. I love working for charities, I love female solo traveling and empowering them. It was the perfect opportunity."

The Sisterhood Group, founded in 2006, has been dedicated to undertaking bold adventures to raise funds for transformative causes and they have raised over £1 million for charity.

The challenge is not going to be an easy one said Jo, the 3 women per TukTuk will have to navigate massive potholes, and maybe even fight off monkeys who have been known to steal snacks.

You can follow Jo's journey and fundraising below: