Women and Road Safety: A Call for Urgent Change

Sarawat Rashid ।। The rest of the people on the bus were only afraid for their lives. But from the moment a woman is born, she must carry the burden of protecting both her life and her honor with every step she takes. In our society, honor is often weaponized to control women and restrict their freedom. Even in moments of crisis, women must consider their dignity before their survival. In Bangladesh, when an earthquake strikes, many women instinctively reach for their scarves—because even in death, they fear how society will perceive their bodies.

The recent findings by ActionAid paint a grim picture of women’s safety in Bangladesh, particularly in urban areas. According to their study, 54% of women in cities experience violence, with little to no support from the legal system or law enforcement agencies. Public transportation and urban infrastructure remain unsafe and unfriendly for women. The report ranks Bangladesh lower than countries like Nepal, Nigeria, Congo, Jordan, Brazil, and Zimbabwe in terms of women’s safety. Scoring just 39.32 out of 100, Bangladesh ranks sixth out of the ten countries assessed and received a ‘D’ grade, indicating a significant prevalence of violence against women.

One of the primary reasons behind these unsafe conditions is the lack of effective law enforcement. While Bangladesh has comprehensive laws addressing violence against women, there is no specific law targeting sexual harassment in public spaces. The existing legal framework does not adequately define sexual harassment or provide clear avenues for justice. As a result, many women who experience harassment in public spaces find themselves without any legal recourse. There is also no law specifically addressing sexual harassment outside the home, leaving women vulnerable in workplaces, educational institutions, and public transport.

Despite constitutional guarantees of equal rights for men and women, gender inequality remains deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi society. The most crucial change needed is a shift in societal mindset. A city should provide equal opportunities and security for all its residents, regardless of gender. However, the reality is starkly different. Women do not feel safe in public spaces. The anxiety of whether they will return home safely lingers in their minds whenever they step outside. The streets, public transport, workplaces, and educational institutions all pose threats to their security.

Public transport, in particular, has become a space of fear and humiliation for women. Many endure harassment during their daily travels, yet their concerns are often dismissed. Authorities and society at large have failed to create a system where women can travel without fear of being harassed or assaulted. The lack of women-friendly facilities, such as designated seats, reliable surveillance, and strict legal action against offenders, further exacerbates the problem.

Another critical issue is the urban infrastructure itself. Can women walk freely on city sidewalks without facing harassment? Are there enough women-friendly public toilets? Are all streets well-lit at night? The unfortunate reality is that most cities in Bangladesh do not cater to women’s safety needs. Poor lighting in streets and alleys increases the risk of attacks, while the absence of safe public toilets forces many women to limit their movement. These infrastructural shortcomings further restrict women’s mobility and independence.

Ensuring women’s safety is not just the responsibility of the government; it is a collective duty. Families, communities, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies must all work together to create a safer environment for women. This involves implementing stricter laws against harassment, increasing the presence of female police officers, improving public transport security, and designing cities that prioritize women’s safety.

Moreover, educational institutions and workplaces must actively promote gender sensitization programs to change societal attitudes toward women’s rights. Men and boys should be taught from an early age to respect women and recognize their equal place in society. The media also has a significant role to play in shaping public opinion. Instead of reinforcing gender stereotypes, it should highlight the importance of women’s safety and the urgent need for change.

The economic and social progress of Bangladesh depends on the well-being of its women. If half the population lives in fear, how can the nation move forward? Women’s safety should not be a privilege—it is a fundamental right. Without addressing the barriers that prevent women from feeling secure in public spaces, achieving gender equality will remain a distant dream.

The dream of ensuring women’s safety in public places has not yet been realized, and uncertainties persist. However, we must not give up. We must continue to push for better policies, stricter law enforcement, and a cultural shift in how society views women’s rights. Every step taken towards creating a safer city for women is a step towards a more just and equal society. Let us work together to bring positive change and ensure that no woman has to fear for her safety simply for stepping outside her home.

Sarawat Rashid: Joint Director, Rural Development Academy [RDA], Bogura

(The views and opinions expressed by the writers are those of their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Feminist Factor)