It is often noted that introducing some proposed measures (e.g. response protocols, reporting mechanisms, driver training) are easier to implement in formalized transport systems than informal transport systems. There is an immediate need for clear guidance and protocols to respond, report, and document sexual harassment cases. These measures need to be made mandatory through circulars or key public messages from government and law enforcement (FINAL POLICY BRIEF - ENGLISH_0.pdf (unfpa.org)).
The component interventionHeader has not been created yet or is not available for this content page type.
The component headerBackButton has not been created yet or is not available for this content page type.
General Overview
Type of stakeholder
EICS Framework
Region of Reference
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
North-America
South-America
World
Description
When an incident of sexual harassment or assault occurs, it is essential that a convenient, easy method of reporting is readily available to both victims and bystanders. Protocols for raising complaints by whistle-blowers working within the public transport system should include details on whom to report to, the format of receiving the complaint, and escalation procedures. Management should be au fait with dealing with such instances in a discreet and fair manner.
Facts/Illustrations/Case studies
Mexico City, for example, implemented the Viajemos Seguras initiative that created dedicated safe spaces where women could confidentially report cases of sexual violence and harassment in public transport. The intervention targeted the most crowded stations in the city and staffed them with female officers for most of the day, including during rush hours when offenses are most likely to occur (Dunckel-Graglia, 2013).
A study from Sri Lanka highlighted that 60% of women were not aware that there was a penalty for the crime of sexual harassment. Knowledge of any protocol is a far cry in such situations.
Types of Impact
Area Impacted
- To/from the stop/station/rank✕
- Waiting for train/bus/paratransit✓
- In the vehicle✓
- At interchanges✓
Only the areas that fall within the formal transport system (and not is ingress and egress) are affected.
Time of Day of Impact
- Day-time travel✓
- Night-time travel✓
- Peak-time travel✓
- Off peak-time travel✓
All travel time categories could be positively impacted by this intervention.
Mode Impacted
- Bus✓
- Train✓
- Rideshare✓
- 4 wheelers informal✓
- 3 wheelers informal✓
- 2 wheelers informal✓
- Cycling✓
- Walking✓
All modes of transport can be affected by this intervention.
Demographic impacted
- Girls✓
- Boys✓
- Adult Women✓
- Men✓
- Elderly Women✓
- LGBTQI+✓
All public transport users will be positively impacted by this intervention.
Resources
SWOT Analysis
Scalable to suit wide range of budgets
Rollout can be fast and effective
Stable methodology with much experience to learn from globally
The system is only effective if those receiving the complaints are adequately trained and have the capacity to respond appropriately
Less effective in the context of informal transport
Nabbing of perpetrators and reduction in criminal activities more broadly
Can aid existing law enforcement agencies to exercise their mandate more effectively and efficiently
can be used as a mapping tool for place, time, and types of incidence occurrence
In larger cities with extensive bureaucratic networks, a large no. of of actors are involved in establishing such protocols
If proper follow up is not undertaken and reported to the general population, trust in such systems will quickly diminish
Effectiveness
Low level of confidence in these ratings if reporting is cumbersome. But high confidence if the protocols are clear and reporting is easy. Low level of perception of effectiveness (by whistle-blowers) if it leads to further harassment of the whistle-blowers.
- Perception by (female) passengers
- Perception by governing bodies
- Level of confidence in these ratings
Implementation
This requirement can be introduced with immediate effect – the benefit remains so long as the requirement remains in place.
Implementation timeframe
- 0-1 year✓
- 1-3 years✕
- >3 years✕
Timeframe to realise benefits
- 0-1 year✓
- 1-3 years✕
- >3 years✕
Scale of Implementation
This intervention can be implemented from the city level up.
National
Regional
City
Station or
Suburb
Suburb
Ease of Implementation
Due to its low resource requirements and short implementation timeframe, this intervention is rated very easy to implement.
List of References
Asia
1. Valan, M.L. 2020. Victimology of Sexual Harassment on Public Transportation: Evidence from India. Journal of Victimology and Victim Justice. 3(1):24–37. DOI: 10.1177/2516606920927303.
3. United Nations Population Fund Sri Lanka. 2017. SEXUAL HARASSMENT ON PUBLIC BUSES AND TRAINS IN SRI LANKA. DOI: 10.1080/10463356.2012.11883630.
North America
4. Dunckel-Graglia, A. (2015). Finding Mobility: Women Negotiating Fear and Violence in Mexico City’s Public Transit System. Journal of Feminist Geography, 23(5).