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Urge to make women-friendly public transport

Women’s contribution in the development has increased besides their participation in education and service sector has increased in a large number.  But they are facing a lot of problems while travelling in the public transport. They face problem to board in the bus, for lack of reserved seats, unwillingness to let them get boarded by the helpers. Moreover they become victim of sexual harassment in the public transport. In this situation it is important to ensure law enforcement to stop harassment of women in the public transport. And also it is necessary for the women to participate in the transport planning. On 4th May 2016 in front of National Press Club Action Aid Bangladesh, Naripokkho, PSTC, Ain o Shalish Kendra, Dhaka International University, Aid Foundation, Shopner Shiri and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust jointly organized a human chain on ‘Actions to Ensure Safe and Convenient Travel for Women in the Public Transport’.

Speakers said that, 41% women become victim of sexual harassment in public transport. To avoid such situation 13% women avoid using public bus. And that effects the employment, health and education of a woman. So to solve these problems it is a must to ensure safe public transport for women. And also it is important to increase awareness among all especially men to cooperate with women and not to harass them.

The program was presided by Gaous Pearee, Director, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust and moderated by Tanzila Haque, Assistant Advocacy Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust. Speakers of the program were Maruf Hossain, Program Manager, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Geeta Rani Adhikary, Project Coordinator, Action Aid; Shiropoa Kulsum, Project Coordinator, Population Services and Training Center and Maksuda Begum, Assistant Manager, Naripakkha. Besides Farhana Zaman Liza, Assistant Researcher, Dhaka International University; Umme Salma, Executive Director, Shopner Shiri and Touhidulla, Program Officer, Aid Foundation were present in the program.