In Pakistan, harassment on public transportation is a serious problem. When using public transit — such as buses, minibuses and rickshaws — women and even young girls frequently face verbal and physical harassment, often at the hands of other passengers, conductors or drivers. In addition to causing the victim pain and trauma, this obscenity limits their freedom of movement and ability to travel in safety. Because they are afraid of being harassed, many women and girls completely avoid riding public transit.
Women-only buses and rickshaws are some of the measures that the government and transportation agencies have taken to solve this problem. However, these services are sometimes inaccessible due to route specificities, thus beyond reach for many women. Raising awareness of the problem, encouraging gender sensitivity among passengers and transportation employees, and toughening sanctions for offenders are all crucial to preventing harassment in public transportation.
Establishing support networks for individuals who have experienced harassment is also essential. We cannot make public transport accessible and safe for everyone unless we work together.
Marrium Khan
Karach
