By “Pink Taxi,” also known as “Paxi” is a new cab service offered exclusively to the women in Karachi, Pakistan.
Unfortunately, sexual harassment is a reality for most Pakistani women who use public transportation and even private cabs. As a result, many women do not work or pursue higher education, since they feel unsafe while traveling.
Pink Taxi’s cabs are only driven by women. Their uniform is a black top, hot-pink scarf, and name tag. The drivers are trained in self-defense and first-aid.
Unfortunately, some are speculating that Pink Taxi’s services will not be available to many women who are unable to afford private transportation, because it is much cheaper to get around via bus or rickshaw— but it’s a start. There are already many women who are taking advantage of this service, such as the one interviewed in the video above.
Pink Taxi’s cabs are only driven by women. Their uniform is a black top, hot-pink scarf, and name tag. The drivers are trained in self-defense and first-aid.
Ambreen Sheikh, a co-founder of Pink Taxi (along with her husband), said that the company will hopefully be expanding to Lahore and Islamabad soon.
I am very impressed with this initiative, and am relieved that women in Karachi now have the option to travel without being disrespected or harassed. Pink Taxi is definitely offering a much-needed service. However, this is only a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. A much better and more long-term solution would be for those men who harass women in Pakistan, and all around the world, to be held accountable for their degrading, disrespectful, and violent behavior towards women.
Thank you, Pink Taxi, for helping Pakistani women stay safe and dignified as they travel.