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Lahore gets first women-only auto-rickshaw to beat 'male pests'
LAHORE: An environmentalist, fed up with being groped and harassed by male auto-rickshaw drivers, has launched her own service exclusively for women passengers and drivers in her home city of Lahore - with just the one rickshaw on the road so far.
Zar Aslam, president of Pakistan's non-profit Environment Protection Fund, said she once narrowly escaped kidnapping by a rickshaw driver when she was a student, which triggered the idea of launching her “Pink Rickshaw” service.
Pakistan is notorious for sexual abuse of women, euphemistically known as “Eve-teasing”. Offenders often go unpunished within a legal system that can treat the victims as the guilty party.
Read: Traffic on Walled City road stretch banned
“This is another step towards women's financial and professional empowerment,” Aslam told Reuters at her home in Lahore, showing off her first rickshaw.
“I and my co-workers face harassment by male auto drivers or by passersby while waiting for public transport.”
The “rickshaws” are covered three-wheel motorcycles and Aslam bought one to start with, added fans, doors and headlights and painted it pink and white.
Also read: Wajiha, the rickshaw driver
The plan is to have at least 25 up and running by the end of the year, with Aslam looking out for sponsors.
“One auto costs 300,000 rupees (about $3,000), therefore it cannot be done without sponsorship from donors,” she said, adding that the government has not offered any assistance.
“We will lease out the autos to deserving females on easy instalment,” Aslam said. “We will teach them driving and will also help them get the driving licence.”
Comments (114) Closed
Best of luck.
Had not it been great if this was for the women empowerment and contribution rather than giving a lame excuse of escaping kidnapping attempt from an auto driver decades ago.
This is the best news ever.!!!many congratulations to the lady for being so bold, so outgoing, so helpful, to the environment, society and commuters. May others follow in her footsteps and may our ladies help and do their share in society, for the nation, for the country and for the world at large. There are a million ways ladies can join in nation building, and it is only in the mind, everything is possible.
Zar Aslam - you ROCK! It's about time women in Pakistan can finally take the bull by horns and own as well as operate a rickshaw by females for females. How awesome for females in Lahore! Now if only the same could happen in Karachi, Peshawar, etc. and yes even in Islamabad : ) where at present rickshaws are not allowed. At least for long suffering working females, the Federal govt. needs to loosen the restrictions on rickshaws in Islamabad since there are many females who need to commute to work yet can't afford their own cars or taxis.
MARVI MEMON, are you reading this? It would behoove you and your fellow politicians by taking constructive steps in bringing rickshaws to Islamabad. One can be sure these rickshaws will be kept sparkling clean and assist countless females in the capitol city. Many Western nations have rickshaws which are popular due to their fuel saving feature and low cost transport for many who can't afford luxury cars with drivers like members of Parliament.
Excellent!!
and she will not face harassment on the streets?
We wish all the best for the prosperity and safe movements of the women travelers in the city. We also wish for happy driving and self help.
very nice to see women rikshaw drivers in Pakistan. Good luck!
Honestly though, it is not a major problem in Pakistan as far as harassment in Rickshaws is concerned. However the harassment maybe more common in buses, wagons etc. which are very cheap as opposed to rickshaws and will be more preferred means of transport. Thus it seems this particular initiative will not help much as a viable alternative.
Such works requiring funding often turn out to be endeavors undertaken for some personal benefits on the side. I hope and pray that this is a sincere effort and not such a scam.
Its about time women in Pakistan began learning lessons from those in Kurdistan who have formed even their own armed force.
Keep fighting. Times will change.
Can't believe my eyes that its happening in Pakistan. All the best for this historic initiative.
Bravo..All the best
does look classy. and yup nice color
Daily hundred of thousands, can easily be into many lacs, women travel in auto-rickshaw in Karachi and Lahore and in other Urban areas of Pakistan in complete safety and security. Otherwise they would not travel in auto-rickshaw, this is preposterous to say they feel groped and harassed as reported above. Foreign news agency gives a twist to any report on Pakistan, and try to portray it as a medieval, regressive society.
Women prefer male rickshaw drivers to take them to their destination quick and with less hassle. Millions travel in rickshaw without any fear and hassle in Karachi. They feel safe and sound. Yes as an employment giving initiative this is a good step. But looks a bit cosmetic than a mass movement involving thousand of women.
brave women of pakistan will continue to fight the islamic rules in Pakistan.
What a nice thing to do in the land of savage men. More power and respect to you sis.
Great Initiative.. Good Luck!
Excellent idea and cause! Please let me know how can I help with financing. I may be able to help the cause.
It is a good idea. Tangas too.
Gender Discrimination.
Is this allowed under Sharia Law in Pakistan that Women can drive?
good move, also give them nevigator, inbuilt camera and attach wireless with base office for their saftey and wellebing as male will be still out there to herass you and make life difficult....
Male pests? Seriously? Not all men are same and this is a terrible title for the articles. Rather offensive.
If women can drive Bikes in India, Spain, Asut, UK, USA then why not Pakistan, i encourgae girls and ladies haev a Motor bike licence and be independent, its not much expensive and easy to handle, i would say Vespa a good option and ladies should have Chinchy auto too as they can take their kids to school and fmaily can have transport at hand
less than 180,000.
My suggestion is to have a neutral colour, do not have a colour that will stand you out in the public, not a good safety measure; other than that I fully support and wish the project all the best
@Jay Patel Pakistan is not Saudia Arabia in fact far from it!!
@Jay Patel This is Pakistan...Not Saudi Arabia
@Ayesha Gul Make sense pleas? How does a pink rickshaw fight for islamic rule, if that's what you are implying.
good initiatives not only to over come on environmental control but declining in unemployemt ratio. Such initiatives should be extended to other regions are requested accordingly.
@Ayesha Gul Maam there are no Islamic Rules in Pakistan.
@Jay Patel In the morning school hours, you will see more women drivers than men in Karachi roads, dropping Kids to schools. It is just a preconceived notion, nothing else.
Great Initiative. Good Luck :)
Great!
I suggest corporate sector should come forward n help her out by supporting her mission.We must also appreciate her solo n brave step.Goodluck lady.
good decision but honestly being a citizen of Lahore . i can say very truly that there is not harassment in auto for females on Pakistan....try to describe realities..rather depicting the myths and mysteries about Pakistan
Best of luck aĺl the way.
Proud of you Zar Aslam. These are the women who make a difference to the mind set of this country.Go girl !
The women should also carry mace to spray the pests.
@AYZA
Good Ms. Zar Aslam..!!! but you know this is male dominating society, you can not continue it for long time. best of luck!
There are so many other problems but focus of all NGOs is to bring women out of their homes. Why???
@Jay Patel good joke, i am sure you can do better.
kidnapping in auto rickshaw and groping by driver sitting at the front is stretching a bit too far.
Secondly, it is because of these kind of initiatives only such things happen. If the society follows proper segregation among the genders women in the first place wont have to go through this. but sadly we like to adopt the western culture for everything not seeing the circumstances. What is the security of the woman driving the rikshaw ? Will Zar Aslam provide a security guard also with her?
wow
Amazing.. awesome job!
these will become target for women harassment! women drivers doesnt mean they will not kidnap other women. A women only bus or vans would have been nice idea. It was successful in Rawalpindi but then Sharifs has to stop them by not renewing their licenses
Miles to go..still all the best
@Ayesha Gul : I'm surprised at your ignorance. FYI, Islamic rules don't forbid women from working. I must add here that Saudi Arabia is not a reference at all where regime in place is oppressive and totalitarian which is totally against the fundamentals of our religion. You may go to Iran and see for yourself if women are working.
@Aslam The initiative is for women empowerment - the story about escaping kidnapping was in context of harassment & safety issues women face in Pakistan. Nothing more. Even while waiting for a rickshaw, bus and wagons - women are harassed....
Great initiative. Bravo respected Lady
Two thumbs Up!
@Burjor Rustomji Thank you Burjor!
@AYZA Thank you Ayza!
@Sudhanshu Swami Thank you Sudhanshu!
In Ranchi (capital of Jharkhand, India) there are so many same Pink (called GULABI here) colour Auto-Rickshaw driven by females and exclusively for female passengers only. Women of the world are able and capable to find their ways out, no matter whether they are in India or pakistan, China or US.
@raw is war The harassment happens not just while riding/taking public transport, it also happens while waiting on the street corner/bus/wagon stops. It's the same logic - middle-to-upper class women driving cars face less harassment. We want to offer an alternative to women who cannot afford cars....
how does this curb harassment? this rickshaw openly tells Eve teasers that there are Eves inside.
Women Empowerment sure. but anti-women harassment, far from it. that is only going to happen with strict adherence of the law everywhere.
Very nice initiative but not yet right for Pakistan. We have a whole lot of people and vehicles on roads who would love to willingly collide or cross roads of any Pink-Rickshaw, just for amusement.
@Abdul Waheed Wow! Thank you so much Abdul Waheed... Please drop me a line on my email so we can discuss this offline. Many thanks!
This is a great initiative. However, it would be better if we changed society such that women do not fear harassment when using public transport or conducting other daily activities.
discrimination against male passengers
Nice excuse to start a business. I am going to open a barber shop cause from last ten years my barber is giving me a bad haircut. Please wish me a good luck even though my barber is not happy for blaming him he think I have limited hairs on extremely limited area and that is the reason I can not and will not get Waheed Murad style.
@Ali It is unfortunate that you have a negative reaction to the Pink Rickshaw Initiative. I am just another working woman; have worked my entire life (since grade 10) and who hopes to inspire and empower other women. I live in a rental house which my team and I use as home-office. I pay my taxes, do not cheat and have been a productive member of the society my entire life...
Great and enterprising bold move! Please consider installing satellite tracking device to all your rickshaws for added security!
what makes her think that other male drivers and passerby wont tease the female driver we need to change the mind set of the people , they need some serious amount of grooming and if that wont work then some CHITROL
@SMAZ i totally agree. women should stay confined to their home. let's not fix men who actually harass women. let's put women away
Government should encourage mass transport projects of international level to lower the transportation fairs. Almost all mass transports projects are never upgraded and eventually this creates bigger issues for common men who use public transports. This rickshaw culture or mini transport overall is not only expensive but also will increase traffic and parking issues. Public transport mafia is also a big hurdle in providing the the public comfortable journeys and lower fair. Overloading, violation of traffic rules, separate seating for women, comfortable seats and timings are biggest issues while travelling in public transport.
@raw is war Yes, she will. What do you think one should do, sit at home and be at the mercy of men and law ? Let us wish best of luck for women empowerment everywhere in the world.
@Zar Aslam I live in Karachi, millions of women waits for buses, wagons, rickshaws, coaches in the morning office hours and no one is harassed or teased. This is not just not possible in any big urban area. Though this is a good initiative, but please stop giving preposterous and juvenile statement like women are harassed on streets and hence this pink rickshaw. Success doesn't need scapegoats and excuses.
@Aslam in the end, she's actually doing something while you are sitting in your couch and just being critical.
Be aware men, women are coming!
Be aware men; women are coming! (From a male feminist)
Love the design of the Auto Rickshaw - with doors, fan inside and clean. Wish they had this design in India.
Well done. My Dear Sisters Mothers can travel with pride and hOnour
We had a Woman Prime Minister Highest ranking job in the country. She assassinated not for her gender but she was democratic politician. So why people surprised woman driving vehicle and earning her livelihood. She is Pakistani and paying her bills.
Awesome !!! Great news for our Women.....xx
@SMAZ Excellent question. Zar aslam please answer.
@Jay Patel: who told you that women are not allowed to drive in pakistan ???
This is great, our Pakistani women are second to none. More women should follow the entrepreneur spirit of Zar Aslam and start their own business. Thus contributing to job creation and economy of Pakistan. Kuthra Kuthra, Darya bun jathay. This business should be expanded throughout the country. Ms Zar Aslam should find a business invester / partner.
@Einstein Babar Because 1) that might be the solution to all YOUR other problems. And 2) Women form half of the human species. The fact that they are NOT allowed to be out of homes in many parts of the world and NOT given their share of rights is a matter of shame and is a HUDGE problem. If half of your species, half of your nation, lives as second class citizens then it is problem number 1 in my book.
@Maxx. Wonderfull
Miss-guided and miss-guiding - yet another attempt to exploit female gender for economic benefit. All gender related allegations in this article were answered long time back as follows: Give me good mothers, I shall give you a good nation." -Napoleon Bonaparte
Great idea!!!! I wish you all the best and I wish more women like yourself would come forward to change the stereotypical culture of our country.
@Ayesha Gul : Fighting islamic rule? What are you trying to say miss. May be you mean misunderstood or misinterpreted islamic rules. Please post a correction
Please add a radio/cellphone dispatcher to the service. That will increase ridership.
what about woman harassing another woman in these pink auto ??
Way to go ladies. I hope law enforcement agencies will support this effort and help in the event of any harassment. Above all, it will help families to make decent living.
We need more bold people like you Mrs. Aslam ! inshallah you pave the way for more women to stand up.
@N.S .......very true.
It's good news as well as bad. Good because it provides women worry free transport. Bad because Pakistani men have reached that level that women don't feel safe around them.
@Ayesha Gul - Dear Sister Ayesha - What does Islam have to do with this? It's not Islam that is keeping us in darkness but our shear stupidity, bad Aqeeda, and our insistance on "not questioning the mullah".
It is a good news. Zar Aslam is a brave lady and I wish her success. Hope this will open door for other ladies to follow.
Hmm, women behind a wheel? I wonder what the Taliban and their associates think about it.
how can I donate money?
Congratulation, I think its is about time. please don't listen to any negative comments, opinions are like ......... I think you really don't have to explain to anyone, if you believe in it and may helps put food on the table (halal income) for women, then power to you and to all who drive these "Pinky". I think pink color is not only a feminine color but you may also become a symbol for Breast cancer awareness. I will advice you to may get FB page, gets private and cooperate sponsors. I will be among private donors to your cause.
Matri Shakti ki Jai..............carry on
Pakistan is notorious for sexual abuse of women. Now auto-rickshaw having a woman driver will also be at risk increasing the crime rate in the city.
@Zar Aslam good initiative taken but still if i had 300,000 rupees i would buy a car which is a better option than a Riksha ,my suggestion would be look for a deal from chinese auto dealers and get those cars ...other option is to start with Chinese carry vans to provide females a separate transport in all any how good luck
Congratulations... We suggest there should be at least 50 rickshas running at the same time so that these women are not teased. Big cities like Islamabad and Karachi should also follow this example.
Khan sahib from Chicago.
@Einstein Babar Because that is the need of the moment where you have a male force pointing out to religion to serve their convenience. Can a nation develop when half its population is restricted to their homes for religious considerations?
@Zar Aslam Lots of love from India, Zar, for this bold initiative. What most commenters are missing out is the fact that this has the potential to be a large movement and can give livelihood to a lot of women. I also see it as a great self-employment and business opportunity in Pakistan. Today it is the Pink Rickshaw, tomorrow someone inspired by your initiative may start a pink van or bus, even 2 wheelers if the laws allow it. Apart from safety, it is also convenience.
For those who feel that instead of such an initiative, the male pests can be fixed, please understand that it is a mindset issue that will take ages to change. In India, this process started long back and even today you will not be surprised to find a few loafing around even in metro cities. Do you suggest that women stay vulnerable until these pests are pest-controlled?
Most girls here in Srinagar ride two wheelers since most of us cant afford a car. Two wheelers are also available on rent here. On the other side of the border, everyone should inspire such wonderful initiatives. It is natural that there are always more critics than ones who encourages. Just go ahead and do not lose heart, Zar.
Rickshaw manufacturers have to improve their product for passenger comfort. For the passenger the suspension system and seating needs lot of improvement and can be done. The leaf spring suspension system is too hard needs to be much more softer, to take up the shocks over Pakistan's very dilapidated roads. the seats too can be made more softer to absorb the bumps. The leg room is OK. Drivers need to be trained about traffic rules, civic sense, courteous attitude towards other drivers and passengers. Why don't the manufacturer's test drive over actual road conditions to know how hard the suspension and seating really is. I think a word from the lady to the manufacturers can do wonders.
@Kashif. Please inform readers from where and what make?
@Jay Patel There is nothing in Sharia to prevent women from driving. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that does not allow women to drive, and that is a cultural thing, not a religious one.
@Hasan Zaheer Agreed, not all men are the same, so it should not be too difficult for those who are well behaved, to recognise that many others are not.
Wonderfull !!! There should be many many more pink rickshaws !!!
There is a pakistan in karachi, lahore and islamabad and then there is a pakistan outside of these three ultra modern cities which is totally different than these three cities. It seems like we have two parallel societies in this country which can prove quite dangerous in the future.
Reminds me of the story by Saadat Hasan Manto - License. Sadly all initiatives to bring women into the fore-front have been sidelined.. remember women traffic wardens... they have been relegated to office duties.. because who would think they are mardanis!