According to a study, unsafe public transport limits women’s rights and freedoms as equal citizens to access and enjoy their neighborhoods and cities and their mobility and freedom of movement as they avoid certain places, times, routes, and modes of public transportation.
Another study conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, indicates a high prevalence of gender-based violence, in public transport and public spaces, including physical, sexual, and verbal harassment.
These two studies suggest that there are significant challenges related to safety and gender-based violence in public transportation systems. They highlight how unsafe public transport can restrict women’s rights and freedoms, impacting their ability to access their freedom.
Youth Ki Awaaz and the Observer Research Foundation conducted a survey titled “Women on the move: The impact of safety concerns on women’s mobility” over ten months before and during the pandemic, with participation from 4,262 women across 140 Indian cities. The survey was primarily conducted to understand Indian women’s experiences better using public transport and the impact of safety concerns on their mobility choices.
The Survey Reveals That More Than 50% of Indian Women Say No To Education Or Work Opportunities Due To Unsafe Commutes
The survey findings highlight a troubling reality as 52% of Indian women are opting out of educational and employment opportunities because they feel unsafe during their commutes. This alarming statistic underscores a profound setback for women’s progress and empowerment.
By choosing to forego these opportunities, women are denied access to education, career growth, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to society and the economy. Dependence on public transportation magnifies these challenges, as the pervasive sense of insecurity while traveling is a formidable barrier.
This situation not only curtails women’s freedom and decision-making but also perpetuates gender disparities by reinforcing obstacles to their engagement across various domains of life.
What can be the way forward:
Hence, these are a few steps that can be taken to make public commutes safer for women:
- Better-designed physical infrastructure such as wide pathways with sufficient lighting, eliminating dark corners and view-obstructing structures, universally accessible interchanges, public toilets and women-dedicated safe parking spaces can improve women’s sense of safety.
- Mixed land-use planning, where office spaces are encouraged in residential areas, can reduce women’s work-related commute to isolated areas.
- Working CCTVs must be installed in all vital transport junctions, such as bus depots, train stations, street corners, and taxis, along with secure monitoring.
- GPS tracking must be enabled in all public transport as well.
In conclusion, the survey “Women on the Move” sheds light on the stark reality that over half of Indian women sacrifice education and employment opportunities due to safety concerns during their commutes. This alarming trend not only hinders women’s progress but also perpetuates broader gender disparities in society.
To address this issue, concerted efforts are needed, including improved physical infrastructure, mixed land-use planning, enhanced surveillance measures, and implementation of GPS tracking in public transport. By prioritizing women’s safety in transportation, we can create environments where women can move freely, pursue opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.