By Syeda Laraib Shahid
Women in developing countries experience greater restrictions in mass urban mobility. Just like transportation systems shape the physical layout of a city, gender plays a defining role in structuring society. Gender operates within the larger social framework, intertwining with factors such as class, race, ethnicity, education, religion, and geographical location. It determines societal expectations for the behavior, attire, and conduct of both men and women, including their travel behaviors and patterns. In conservative societies, gender segregation is often practiced to promote the comfort and safety of women.
Pakistan has long struggled with issues connected to gender-based violence, discrimination, and cultural norms, making women's safety a top priority. Pakistan has been working to address these problems and establish a safer environment for women as a developing nation. To promote women’s safety, the Peoples Pink Bus Service was recently introduced in Karachi on February 1, 2023. This is the first women-only bus service in Sindh, launched under the administration of Sharjeel Memon, the province’s transport minister. This is the country’s second attempt to launch a women-only public transport to protect them from harassment, first being introduced in Lahore which ended 2 years later. But why is there a need for women-only public transport? Why wasn’t normal public transport safe enough for them?
According to a statement by Arshia Malik, 32, who takes the bus to work as a nanny in the upmarket area of Clifton, the segregation didn’t stop men “touching your behind or rubbing your shoulder” while getting off the bus. This is amongst the few statements that women wanted to go public with, but there are so many other instances that go unrecorded that occur daily.
Like women in any other country, women in Pakistan also take buses for a variety of reasons. Buses offer a practical and economical way to commute to work, school, or other locations daily. Buses are a viable option for women who don't own private cars or would rather not drive to get to work, school, or do errands. It is primarily utilized by school or college students, women who work in factories, or people who merely need to get around town. Many different types of people can ride buses, including low-income women who would not be able to afford private transportation. The Peoples Pink Bus Service comes as a solution to all these problems. It is a fully air-conditioned bus with CCTV cameras installed for security reasons. The staff on the bus is also women; only the bus captain is male. The bus service authorities announced the introduction of women captains shortly, making it a completely women-only bus. According to a college student Hina Rind, the Peoples Pink Bus Service has been a godsend. Due to the rising number of street crimes in the city, her parents were reluctant to send her to college by herself. "But this bus has made the commute to college safe and easy. Now, I will be able to travel without any fear," she said.
Buses are a convenient and affordable option for both short- and long-distance travel because of their well-established routes and schedules. Particularly when they feel anxious or frightened when traveling alone, Pakistani women frequently choose buses as a safer means of transportation. The Pink Bus project, which cost Rs. 12 billion to implement, has been unveiled by the Sindh Mass Transit Authority. These buses have set stops, which the driver announces, and they travel on a variety of itineraries. Girls under the age of five can go for free, and the ticket is Rs 50. Tickets can be bought on the bus or through a mobile application by passengers. The mobile app allows users to track the location of the bus in real-time, giving them the most recent arrival information. Model Colony resident Laiba acknowledged her delight with the service, praising its comfort, practicality, and effectiveness. She emphasized how thousands of women would benefit significantly from having access to this service, making it possible for them to go to work conveniently and comfortably.
In every situation where benefits exist, drawbacks also tend to arise. Pakistan has imported the Pink Bus, featuring seating for 24 individuals and room for an additional 24 passengers to stand in the aisles. Furthermore, the bus includes a designated seating area to accommodate two individuals with special needs. Presently, there are a total of eight buses accessible to the public. Nevertheless, the current quantity appears inadequate considering the overwhelming demand and response towards this service. Women are now opting to choose the Pink Bus Service rather than the local bus service to commute, regardless of which social class they belong to. According to a statement given by Sharjeel Memon, “We have assessed that 50% of the commuters during rush hour are women and there is not enough space in the bus for them to ride in a dignified manner.” If it was already clear that women commuters are greater in number, then they should have imported more buses to accommodate everyone. It has been nearly 5 months since the Service was launched and yet more buses haven’t been introduced. Can we still expect the arrival of more buses? Only time will tell us!
In Pakistan, women frequently encounter limitations in their movement and autonomy due to prevailing social and cultural conventions, which intensify the difficulties they confront. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that Pakistan has been implementing measures to enhance the safety and rights of women. The enactment of the Sexual Harassment Bill aims to guarantee women's well-being in public spaces and workplaces.