Gender sensitivity is now an essential part of all aspects of urban planning and development. Not so the case here in Karachi! If we consider mobility, women face a number of challenges while accessing public modes of transport –  harassment at bus stops or in buses, lack of adequate seats, quality of transport, intolerant attitudes and behaviour – these are just a few of the unfortunate realities women face while accessing employment,education and social contact. All this needs to end! Let’s make our Karachi city safe for women mobility! 

We at Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment demand from our policy makers and service providers: 

•  Set up Safe Bus-stops, with better lighting; closed-circuit television/w-fi availability - security patrols (women police be posted in shifts)
• Buses be heavily fined for stopping at any place other than the safe bus-stop
• Generate a comprehensive Data-Base on spaces where cases have come up – stationary and mobile – known offenders to be penalized and kept in surveillance
•  Develop mobile apps where geo-referenced entries can be made by women who face of any form of harassment
•  Gender sensitivity topics be made essential part of school curriculum
• Women seating capacity be increased in buses and buses be retrofitted with women seating/entry/exit at the back of the bus rather at the front and entry steps for buses be at a lower height (government acting as a regulatory authority ensures this – No route permit if all this is not ensured!)