KARACHI:
The extra cost of living as a woman is not an unfamiliar notion. Even the most basic and essential necessities have a special “pink tax” attached to them. With the recent spike in fuel prices and the chaos that followed, we saw an unexpected and unjust 100% increase in cab fares. Consequently, women using these cab services for their daily commute have faced significant inconvenience, and continue to do so.
While more affordable options like bikes and public transport are easily available to all, they are rarely a viable alternative for women. Their choices remain limited when safety and security are at risk. Even a simple walk over a short distance feels draining and mentally taxing when safety is a concern, making a cab seem like a necessity rather than a luxury.
It is essential for us to recognise that this isn’t just a financial drain, it’s a “time tax” as well. Women usually have to spend extra time waiting for rides, vetting drivers and sharing their location with their trusted ones. When the cost of movement becomes so high, it begins to restrict women’s mobility entirely, limiting their access to workplaces, educational institutes and social spaces.
While the government has introduced various programmes for women such as the pink scooty scheme to help them learn to ride and acquire a scooter, a huge gap still remains between providing a vehicle and providing a safe environment. As a society, we must become more encouraging of women who choose scooters and ensure safety in public spaces so they travel without a constant toll on their mental health.
Preet Chawla
Karachi
