Opinion | Why women-only buses can’t solve the broader issues of safety and harassment
Summary
Nepal's government plans to launch women-only 'Blue Bus' services in Kathmandu to enhance safety on public transport, but experts argue this approach doesn't address deeper societal issues of harassment and gender inequality.
Key Points
- A young woman shared a video detailing harassment on a public bus in Bhaktapur, highlighting common safety fears among women commuters in Nepal.
- The government is launching the 'Blue Bus' women-only transportation initiative as a pilot in Kathmandu to tackle harassment in public transport.
- Experts argue that women-only buses may lead to segregation and do not address the root social issues of patriarchy, victim blaming, and lack of legal frameworks.
- Long-term solutions recommended include legal reforms, reducing bus overcrowding, public campaigns on consent, and societal attitude change to ensure safety for all women in public spaces.
