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Women struggling for public safety

Published : Saturday, 1 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 3728
Adrija Das
Have you ever been catcalled while walking down a busy street or inappropriately touched on a bus or train? As women, we are taught from a young age how to react in such situations, as if they are an inevitable part of life. We have been conditioned to accept these threats and adjust our behavior accordingly. However, a problem never addressed at its roots will remain unsolved. In Bangladesh, public transportation has long been an unsafe space for women, with the question of security still looming unanswered.

On the streets, despite wearing fully covered outfits, women are still teased for every perceived 'distraction' to the opposite gender. Whether it's the hairstyle, makeup, or choice of clothing, women face mockery, stares, and threats to their safety. They choose rickshaws or CNGs over walking even short distances to escape unwanted attention. But instead of addressing the deeply ingrained mentality of the men on the streets, we continue to bypass the problem and apply surface-level solutions that barely create lasting change.

On a bus, squeezed between numerous sweating bodies, a woman is considered 'safe' if she is lucky enough to secure a seat early. But if she stands, like any man, she must constantly remain on high alert- fearful of being inappropriately touched. Her phone, her only weapon, stays clutched in her hand. She must try her best to avoid any contact, and if someone does touch her, she is expected to at first assume it was accidental. Of course, men have as much right to sit as women, but a woman should feel just as secure standing on a bus as any man does.

Women are often seen sitting together, as that is considered the safest option. Many cover their heads with scarves or wear masks- not only for modesty, but to avoid being stared at. Calls and constant location updates to family members become a routine safety measure. The current state of our country is further jeopardizing women's safety in public transportation. Every day, the news reminds us of how vulnerable and helpless we can become-whether held at gunpoint on a public bus or attacked on the streets. Recent reports highlight a disturbing rise in gender-based violence and deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh.

A study by the Aachol Foundation revealed that 63.4% of young women in Dhaka have faced harassment on public transport, leading to increased fear, anxiety, and long-term mental health issues among victims. The general public continues demanding stricter safety measures and harsher punishments for rapists- reflecting the growing public outrage against such crimes. Despite these alarming statistics and nationwide demonstrations, effective enforcement remains inadequate, leaving women exposed to constant threats and fear in their daily commutes.

The Dhaka Metro has long introduced female compartments to provide a safer and more accessible commuting experience for women. This separate space allows women to travel without the fear of harassment, offering a sense of security in a city where public transportation has long been a source of anxiety.

However, while the introduction of female compartments is a positive step, it is not a complete solution. True safety will only come when women can travel freely in any part of public transport without fear. There must be a broader commitment to enforcing strict penalties for harassment, increasing awareness campaigns, and training transport staffs to ensure all passengers are protected.

It is a collective responsibility to create environments where everyone feels secure and respected. But for now, all a woman can do in the face of danger is carry her phone and pepper spray everywhere she goes, because until the mentality and behavior of all people change, we are far from witnessing a safe Bangladesh.


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