India could increase its GDP by 60 per cent by 2025 if it enables more women to participate in the economy on a par with men. However, the National Family Health Survey of 2015–16 reports that the proportion of working women has witnessed a sharp decline compared to a decade ago.
What is preventing our women from working in India? A question we all need to ask ourselves.
Safe public transit for women is the fulcrum that allows them to participate in the workforce. Even though there is a lot of debate on women’s safety, public policies and investment in sustainable urban development and public transportation are not based on the recognition of women’s and girls’ distinct roles, needs and experiences.
Women make more complex journeys than men, often travelling to childcare, school, work, and shops. However, there are disheartening statistics about women’s transportation safety around the world. Lack of accessibility to public transport and inadequate transport services cost women their livelihood and independence. Safe, comfortable, convenient and affordable public transport for women is an inevitable element to promoting women’s employment and empowering them.
Following the success of the first and second editions held on January 27th and February 28th, 2018, respectively, the third Kochi Public Transport Day will be celebrated on March 28, 2018 (Wednesday). The events for the day will focus on women, their mobility needs and the importance of sustainable public transport for women and girls.
Programmes
· Rally to promote the message of ‘Safety, Comfort & Convenience of Women in Public Transport’ – The rally will start at 4 pm from Rainbow Bridge, Marine Drive and culminate at Lalan Tower, High Court Junction.
· Panel discussion on ‘Going Places: Safety, Comfort and Convenience of Women in Public Transport’ from 5 pm to 6 pm near Lalan Tower, High Court Junction. The panel discussion will broach the issues pertaining to gender and transport inequities, and suggestions for the integration of women’s and girls’ safety, comfort and convenience in public transport.
· Honouring metro passengers of highest patronage with ‘Shreshtasanchari Puraskaram’ – The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will honour the metro passengers of highest patronage in the month of March at 6 pm.
Monolita Chatterjee (Partner/Architect, Design Combine)
Nimmi J Chakola (Proprietor, Chakolas Decorette)
Ajina Mohan (Media Relations, Kudumbashree District Mission)
Aswathy Dilip (Urban Designer/Senior Programme Manager, Institute for Transportation & Development Policy)
Namrata Khona (Trainer/Consultant, Behavioural & Management Studies)
Moderator
Sara John (Senior Project Associate, Centre for Public Policy Research)
Join the movement, now is the time to make Kochi better & safer!