FOR most women, going out of the house requires a lot of planning. From crowded streets and public transport to workplaces, the challenges that women face in staying safe are constant and exhausting. Citizens now call for women鈥檚 safety on the road and in public spaces. Everyone wants change. Women want to walk without the fear of being harassed or attacked.
There might be debates on the ways to measure how safe and liveable a city is, but there are certainly some indicators that are pretty reliable to measure whether a city is safe and liveable for its residents. For example, if a woman can walk alone and safely at night along a city road, it indicates that the city is safe in some respects 鈥� there is personal security for residents.
In cities like Dhaka, beneath the surface, women grapple with a complex web of daily challenges. Dhaka streets have become arenas of apprehension where women must navigate everything from unsettling glances to outright physical assaults. A study by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Population Fund has found that 43 per cent of women in Dhaka have faced sexual harassment in public places. This is not just a number. This is women living in fear every day. Poorly-lit roads, crowded public transports and a lack of safe spaces make women feel vulnerable. The very layout of our cities seems to disregard women鈥檚 needs, hindering their ability to move freely. A research by BRAC pinpoints two significant issues: a need for well-lit streets and facilities specifically designed for women. These are not mere logistical oversights; they stem from deep-seated cultural beliefs that foster a hostile environment for women. A report by ActionAid underscores this. The report has found that 60 per cent of women feel limited by cultural expectations that restrict their freedom and increase their safety concern. It is a sobering reality that calls for earnest reflection and tangible change.
Women do not only feel unsafe on the roads and in the streets. Many apparel workers face additional challenges. The issue is not only about the harassment, but also the silence that surrounds it. Despite such challenges, there is hope and it starts with the community. Many are now pushing for a change. Some people argue that stringent law enforcement could be an answer. Others think self-defence training could help.
Men, too, are stepping up to create spaces safe for women. The city authorities can play a role in creating safe spaces for women with designated areas in public transports and improved lighting in public spaces. Technology could also help. Mobile apps offering emergency support and increased surveillance in public spaces could improve safety, as they did in other cities. With proper planning and the right tools, technology can play a key role in making Dhaka safe.
Safety is more than protection 鈥� it is a rallying cry for freedom. It is a manifesto that challenges established norms and aligns with a broader vision of inclusivity and empowerment. Creating a city safe for women goes beyond individual actions. It requires a community that is willing to listen, take action and work together. Policymakers, citizens and local organisations must unite to build an environment where women feel respected and protected. By prioritising education, enforcing laws and improving public infrastructure, Dhaka can transform into a city where women can live without fear.
In this era of swift technological progress, the digital domain offers fresh avenues for enhancing women鈥檚 safety in urban landscapes. The fusion of technology, urban planning and social consciousness takes form in data-driven planning, utilising analytics to create women-friendly infrastructure.
By integrating technology, we can create a future where women鈥檚 safety is a priority, not an afterthought. A platform, Amio Jitte Chai, funded by USAID and launched by Democracy International, now offers a space on www.amiojittechai.com to discuss the struggles and suggest solutions.
