In cities around the world, including Malta, a troubling reality persists for many women, especially the young: the fear of catching a bus or taxi alone.
This fear is not born out of baseless apprehension but is rooted in the unfortunate prevalence of cat-calling and harassment that women often face during their commute. It’s a pervasive issue that transcends the boundaries of daylight, casting a shadow over even the most routine journeys.
The crux of the matter lies in the unsettling experiences women encounter on public transportation, where catcalling and harassment are, regrettably, far too common. The fear stems not from an unfounded paranoia but from the harsh reality that women, regardless of the time of day, are sometimes subjected to unwarranted comments, leering glances, and even explicit advances.
One must acknowledge that the responsibility for these distressing experiences lies solely with the perpetrators, not the women merely trying to navigate their way home. The inclination to victim-blame must be firmly rejected; instead, society should focus on dismantling the root causes of such behaviour.
It’s imperative to underscore that a woman’s appearance, regardless of how she chooses to express herself, should never be an excuse for harassment. Whether she dresses in a way society deems ‘sexy’ or in the most casual attire, she is entitled to move through public spaces without fearing for her safety or dignity.
The fear of solo evening commutes is not an exaggeration but a genuine concern for women who have experienced or heard of the distressing encounters that can unfold during these journeys. Society must shift its focus towards fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability.
What should be done?
Efforts to address this issue should include increased awareness campaigns to educate the public about the impact of such behaviours, strict enforcement of laws against harassment, and the creation of safe spaces for women to report incidents without fear of retaliation.
Moreover, public transportation services should actively collaborate to implement measures that ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.
Ultimately, transforming the narrative around women’s safety during evening commutes requires a collective commitment to change. By fostering a culture that places empathy over fear, society can create an environment where women feel secure in their right to move freely and confidently through public spaces, unencumbered by the threat of harassment.
Only through concerted efforts to address the root causes of this issue can we hope to build a world where every woman feels safe during her journey home, regardless of the time of day.
Wham has submitted questions to Transport Malta and Ecabs; however, as of now, no responses have been provided.
