“I earn a monthly income of 7000 rupees, and I need to support my family of five with that amount. The cost of bus travel for one person ranges from 800-1000 rupees per month. With this budget, I'm unable to afford sending both my son and daughter to school, so  I chose to send my son.”- Kalia, works as a Driver

“I work as house help, and I earn a monthly wage of Rs.3000. Even when I experience severe pain or illness that lasts for days, I have to carefully consider whether I can afford to go to the hospital, as the transportation alone per day would cost me 60 to 70 rupees.”- Lochana, a 65-year old woman

During my work with the community and even within my own family, I've consistently observed several such scenarios of marginalization of women's needs. This is specifically more in families from lower economic backgrounds where limited financial resources lead to the prioritization of the needs of men over those of women. Drawing from my personal experience of completing my higher education while relying on the bus, I can affirm that most families in Odisha simply cannot afford to give their girls 1000-1500 rupees for travel expenses per month.

Women in Odisha, especially those from underprivileged communities, face significant barriers to achieving financial independence due to socio-cultural factors. Limited education, reliance on men, and high unemployment further compound their challenges. When they do secure employment, it is often in the low-paying unorganized sector.

While govt. has tried to make basic necessities like education, healthcare more affordable, it still remains inaccessible as many girls and women due to financial constraints and restricted means to commute. Economic distress and the pandemic have pushed many more people into extreme poverty. Lack of transportation locks them into a vicious cycle of poverty, unable to come out of it on their own efforts. And this is the case with thousands of women who could get out of their homes, and seek better opportunities but, due to lack of funds, need to limit their outings.

Additionally, there exist gender-biased practices such as bus operators considering it inauspicious/bad omen to allow women as the first passenger on an empty bus. They wait for a male passenger to board first, perpetuating gender discrimination and causing psychological distress to women. The good news is that Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) has intervened to stop this bizarre practice and has written to the State Transport Commissioner, highlighting the existing practice and how such practices further discourage women from traveling alone.

“Free travel would boost women’s freedom of movement and “dismal” female workforce participation," said Karuna Nundy, Supreme Court lawyer who helped strengthen India’s anti-rape laws after the 2012 gang rape.

LAccMI Buses, Mobus, and OSRTC buses were applaudable steps taken by the Odisha Government to ensure increased usage of public transport. However, the prices often pose a challenge to many women/students aspiring to enter the workforce. 

Providing free bus travel will give women greater mobility and enable more women to access their right to education, right to livelihoods and increase their participation in mainstream society and economy.

Join me in asking the Government of Odisha to provide free bus passes for women (cis and trans) on government buses.

Emphasis on infrastructure development for accessible commute will be sustainable investment for long term returns.

Having free commute options will give greater mobility and promote equitable access to opportunities for women. Let's take action to create a world where every woman will feel supported to go out and chase her dreams.

Picture Credits - Odisha Bytes