Women take the wheel as Pink Rickshaw service kicks off in Lahore

The initiative aims to revolutionize the perception of women in the public eye

LAHORE: With Pakistani women often bearing the brunt of cultural barriers and inequality, the ladies-only Pink Rickshaw service has put women from Lahore in the driving seat to generate revenue for their families.  

The service was launched with the intention of providing women from the lower social strata of society an opportunity to travel in comfort and at the same time giving them financial independence.

 

PHOTO: GOGETFUNDING

The women's only service will also enable female commuters to travel without fear of getting harassed on the street. It aims to be a safer option as opposed to other forms of public transport.

Read: Polluting away: Mingora's rickshaws whiz past govt regulation

As part of the initiative, the way women are perceived in the public eye will be revolutionised, encouraging other women to follow suit and enter the many male denominated professions.

"Thus, the initiative’s effect will perpetuate a virtuous cycle of women becoming self-reliant independent and productive members of the society," states one of the objectives of the project.

Read: Gender Roles: 'Women empowerment necessary for development'

The project informed that there is only one female taxi driver in the whole country and projects such as 'The Pink Rickshaw' will empower other women to open up to new opportunities and freedoms.

This article appeared on The Nation