Where is women's safety?

Modern society emphasises providing women with equal rights, yet the reality remains unsatisfactory. Every day, women fall victim to harassment and humiliation in various settings, particularly in public spaces, workplaces, and public transport.

Ensuring a safe travel environment for women has become a major concern. Many women suffer physical and psychological harassment, whether in private vehicles, rickshaws, or buses. The situation is deeply troubling, as women are subjected to disrespectful treatment everywhere-even in front of their family members-from the congested streets of Dhaka to the highways. Recently, a bus driver and his assistant in the capital verbally abused a female passenger, leaving her humiliated in front of other passengers. Shockingly, no one protested. Similarly, a woman in Chattogram was harassed on the street while returning from work, yet the public remained silent, merely watching as bystanders.

At the end of the day, women feel unsafe in public spaces due to these hostile surroundings. Many are compelled to abandon their professional careers despite being highly qualified.

A shift in family and social values, greater public awareness, and stricter law enforcement are essential to combat discrimination and violence against women. Women must no longer be perceived merely as objects of desire. Everyone must work together to create a society that is both safe and equal.

Purnasri Debnath

Dhaka

purna123@gmail.com