KARACHI, March 1: The members of Working Women Organising Trust held a rally on Thursday outside Karachi Press Club demanding better transport facilities for working women particularly those belonging to the lower income groups.

The rally participants said that number of the women leaving their homes to participate in economic activities had increased with the passage of time. They demanded that safe transport facilities be provided to women commuters.

In a statement that the working women issued here on Thursday after the rally, the WWOT said a common sight in public transport were men encroaching into and occupying the women’s compartment, transporters playing vulgar songs in their vehicles. The women also objected to the language of the conductors and drivers of public transport vehicles.

The working women demanded an increase in the number of public transport vehicles, the staff should speak politely, and strictly ensure that men do not use the space reserved for ladies in public transport. The women also demanded of the government to ensure that vehicles stop at the stops designated on routes.

The WWOT is organising a Women Protection Conference, in connection with the Women’s Day, to highlight issues faced by women particularly working women. The moot is being held at the Defence Central Library Auditorium, on Saturday, March 3, at 3.30pm.

Source: Dawn

Date:3/2/2007