Women in Pakistan's urban areas face daily struggles just to move around. In Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, a lack of safe and affordable public transport constrains women's mobility and limits their education and job opportunities. While "pink" women-only buses have been introduced, empowerment will require a more profound rethinking of the entire "mobility ecosystem" in the city.

Social norms and safety concerns restrict the movement of women. Most are afraid to travel on crowded buses and vans where hardly a seat is kept for women. As of the 2014 Asian Development Bank report, 70% of Pakistani women have been sexually harassed on public transport. Approximately 31% of female students and 23% of working women reduce the use of public transport after harassment. Most women travel with a male relative or avoid traveling at night, which is a hindrance to pursuing evening classes or employment.

The effect on work and education is of greatest importance. In Pakistan, working women number approximately 21%, the lowest in South Asia. In urban Sindh, a mere 11%........

© The Express Tribune