Making public transport safe for women

Women either give up travelling or limit their travel time when they are harassed on public transport.

Navigating public transport in Nepal is a daily ordeal for commuters, especially women. The moment a woman steps onto a public bus, she fears being exposed to harassment, discomfort, unwanted touch, or a leering look. An incident involving a student who was sexually assaulted on a public bus a few weeks ago has again highlighted the severity of the problem. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. According to Nepal Police, 1,673 people in the Kathmandu Valley were arrested for their involvement in various forms of misconduct on public transport this fiscal year. Of them, four were detained for sexual assault. Yet, the number could be higher. Due to fear and social stigma, these incidents rarely come to light, let alone be reported to the police. Even if women report them, victim-blaming and lengthy legal procedures deter them from seeking justice.