Gender has long been overlooked in transportation planning and design. Like many developing nations, Pakistan too confronts various hurdles while navigating the transportation landscape. As the country is steeped in traditional customs, the gender disparity is pronounced, sustaining societal norms and safety concerns that limit women’s mobility. Women in many communities frequently face limited access to secure and dependable public transportation, limiting their capacity to seek education, work, and personal prospects. Also, safety remains a major concern as episodes of harassment, catcalling, and assault on various modes of transport contribute to a sense of unease for women during their everyday commutes. Furthermore, rural communities have few transportation choices, limiting women’s access to growth and prosperity. Although the government has attempted to address women’s concerns by providing segregated sections of buses and operating women-only buses. However, there are still issues for women’s safety and comfort on public transport in Pakistan. The government must realise that men and women travel in different ways and have distinct demands, therefore their perceptions of space and navigation vary vastly. As a result, understanding women’s travel demands is critical in order to bridge the mobility gap in gender inclusion.
What are the Challenges?
Lack of Safe and Accessible Public Transport
One of the major challenges faced by women in Pakistan is the lack of safe and accessible public transportation options. In many areas, the public transport system may not be designed with the specific needs of women in mind, leading to limited access to reliable and secure transportation. This can severely impact women’s ability to move freely, access education, participate in the workforce, and avail themselves of essential services. In a survey of 1,000 families in Lahore, 70% of male respondents stated they would prevent female family members from using public transport. These are the families who would let their female relatives travel if they had access to a safe women’s-only space (IGC, 2017).
Limited Mobility and Restricted Mobility Hours
Pakistan, being a conservative society, often enforces traditional gender roles that dictate the mobility of women. Cultural expectations may discourage women from traveling alone or using public transport. There are certain hours of the day when women may not feel safe traveling alone, leading to restricted mobility and limited opportunities to engage in social, economic, and educational activities outside their homes. For instance, 40% of women restricted their travel after sunset, which they saw as limiting their future prospects for education and personal growth (Zulfiqar F. , 2020).
Gender-Based Harassment and Violence
Gender-based harassment and violence are pervasive issues in Pakistan. Women are often subject to harassment, verbal abuse, and physical violence while using public transportation. According to an Asian Development Bank survey, 70% of Pakistani women who utilise public transit encounter harassment. 75% believe the offender was another unknown passenger, 20% say it was the conductor, and 5% believe it was the driver. Inappropriate touching or groping was reported by 34% of women. 7 percent had experienced stalking or unwanted following (Zulfiqar, 2020). The fear of such incidents can be daunting, and women may opt to avoid using public transport altogether or rely on private transport, which can be more expensive and less accessible.
Lack of Female-Friendly Spaces
Minibusses are utilised as the principal method of transportation by 58 percent of women in blue-collar employment and 83 percent of students, while rickshaws are used by 43 percent of women in white-collar jobs (Amin, 2022). Nevertheless, many public transportation facilities in Pakistan, such as waiting areas, bus stops, and railway stations, do not have adequate facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of women. For instance, women make up 51% of Pakistan’s population, but in a city like Karachi, less than a dozen of the more than 60 seats on public buses are reserved for ladies. Despite the limited quantity of female seats, the bus driver is skilled enough to fit up to two dozen female riders into this compartment (ILO, 2021). The absence of clean and secure waiting areas or female-only sections or lack of designated seating areas, separate compartments, or female attendants, can leave women vulnerable to uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
Male-Only Transport Services
According to one survey, women rely more on public transit than males and are 30% more likely to utilise buses or wagons (Amin, 2022). However, in certain regions of Pakistan, there are male-only transport services, which can make it difficult for women to access public transport comfortably. Women may feel unwelcome or face societal pressure not to use such services, limiting their options for safe and affordable transportation.
Limited Female Workforce in the Transportation Sector
Generally, urban environments, transport, and services are intended for men, while women are rendered invisible. According to a World Bank report, Pakistan’s workforce participation rate for women is at 20%, one of the lowest in South Asia and the world (Ahmed, 2022). The transportation sector in Pakistan is predominantly male-dominated, which can lead to a lack of understanding and consideration of the specific challenges faced by female passengers. The absence of female representation in the industry may hinder efforts to create gender-inclusive transportation policies.
Socio-Cultural Norms
Deep-rooted socio-cultural norms in some regions and traditional gender roles in the country can restrict women’s independence and freedom of movement. These norms often dictate that women should primarily stay at home, which further limits their access to transportation options and hampers their ability to explore educational and professional opportunities outside their immediate vicinity. Out of 85% of the women who commute for work or education, 15% are forced to stay at home due to harassment (Amin, 2022).
Financial Constraints
Economic factors can also significantly impact women’s ability to afford transportation services. Since 2000, the price of private transport is thought to have climbed by more than 100% (Sheikh & Nabi, 2018). In many low-income households, women may have limited financial resources to spend on transport, leading to restricted access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities.
What are the Solutions?
Safe Spaces and Gender-Segregated Transportation
Creating safe spaces for women within public transportation can be a crucial step toward addressing safety concerns. Implementing gender-segregated vehicles or compartments, deploying female attendants, and increasing surveillance can contribute to a safer environment for women.
Enhanced Public Awareness and Education
Raising public awareness about the importance of women’s mobility and promoting respectful behavior towards women in public spaces can help challenge harmful stereotypes and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Improved Infrastructure and Accessibility
Investing in women-specific facilities, such as well-lit bus stops, dedicated waiting areas, and accessible transportation options, can significantly enhance women’s comfort and security during their journeys.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
Collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address safety concerns and ensuring swift action against offenders can provide women with the confidence that their complaints will be taken seriously.
Supporting Women’s Entrepreneurship in Transport
Encouraging and supporting women entrepreneurs to venture into the transport sector, such as female rickshaw drivers or women-run taxi services, can create job opportunities and offer safer transit options for women.
Engaging Religious and Community Leaders
Religious and community leaders play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes. Engaging these influential figures in promoting women’s mobility rights and challenging gender stereotypes can have a profound impact on transforming traditional beliefs and norms. Moreover, utilizing media platforms to portray positive and empowered images of women using public transportation can counter negative stereotypes and inspire change. These campaigns can highlight the benefits of women’s independent mobility, showcasing how it contributes to their personal growth and overall societal progress.
Conclusion
Addressing the transportation challenges faced by women in Pakistan requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. By prioritizing their safety and mobility, implementing gender-segregated public transportation, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, Pakistan can create a more equitable and secure transportation environment for all. Empowering women through accessible and safe transportation is essential for their education, economic participation, and overall well-being, contributing to a more progressive and thriving society. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, Pakistan can pave the way for a future where women can travel freely and confidently, achieving their full potential and contributing to the nation’s development.
This article is written by Haneen Gul. Haneen is a research analyst at the Iqbal Institute of Policy Studies (IIPS).
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