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Kinza Bibi
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Meet Kinza Bibi, Pakistan’s First Female Pink Bus Service Driver

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Kinza Bibi, trained by the Sindh government, became the first female driver of the Pink Bus Service, a women-exclusive bus service in Karachi.
  • The Sindh government launched two new routes for the Pink Bus Service and announced a two-month free ride period for female passengers.
  • The Pink Bus Service, now employing both female drivers and conductors, aims to serve thousands of women across five major routes, symbolizing women’s empowerment and social progress in Pakistan.

In a groundbreaking milestone, Kinza Bibi, trained by the Sindh government to drive four-wheelers, has become the first woman to operate the Pink Bus Service.

Kinza is one of 18 drivers who received training at Karachi’s Mehran Depot for this women-exclusive bus service.

Recently, the Sindh government introduced two additional routes for the Pink Bus Service and announced a two-month period for female passengers to ride for free.

At the launch event, Faryal Talpur, head of the Pakistan Peoples Party women’s division, awarded licenses to four female drivers of the Pink Bus Service.

The Pink Bus Service aims to serve thousands of women across five major routes. These women-only buses, which already employ female conductors, will also be driven by women.

Including female drivers and conductors in the Pink Bus Service represents a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment, breaking down stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society.

Karachi’s Pink Buses Offer Women Free Rides for Two Months

Importance of Empowering Women like Kinza Bibi

Empowering women in developing countries like Pakistan is crucial for several reasons:

  • Economic Growth: When women can participate fully in the workforce, it leads to economic growth and development for the entire country. Educated and employed women are more likely to invest in their families and communities, which creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

  • Poverty Reduction: Educated and employed women are better able to care for themselves and their families, lifting them out of poverty. Studies have shown that a country’s GDP increases as more women enter the workforce [1].

  • Improved Health Outcomes: Educated women are more likely to seek preventive healthcare and make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children. This can lead to a healthier population overall.

  • Social Progress: Gender equality is essential for overall social progress and development. When women are empowered, it leads to a more just and equitable society for everyone.

  • Stronger Democracy: When women have a voice in society and government, democracies are more stable and prosperous. Women often bring different perspectives to the table, which can lead to better decision-makiner456

Hats off to Kinza Bibi for being an inspirational idol to the women of Pakistan. Let’s encourage and empower our women to make examples for our future generations.

Stay tuned to WOW360 for more news and updates.

Will Karachi’s Pink Bus & Pink Taxi Services Change the Narrative for Women in Pakistan?

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Lifestyle

Will Karachi’s Pink Bus & Pink Taxi Services Change the Narrative for Women in Pakistan?

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Pink Bus inaugurated in Karachi, Pakistan
  • Exclusive service for women and by women
  • Women are happy with the introduction of economical and safe public transport

Pink Bus & Pink Taxi – Empowering Women of Pakistan

The Pink Bus & Pink Taxi services across Pakistan, are making waves as it aims to change the narrative for women in the country.

The services are operated by women and exclusively for women, which makes them a safe and reliable mode of transportation for female passengers, as well as economical.

In Pakistan, women often face harassment and discrimination while using public transportation. The Pink Bus & Pink Taxi services are helping tackle this issue by providing a safe and secure environment for women to travel.

All drivers and staff members are female, and the vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking, emergency buttons, and cameras for added security.

The segregation in public busses didn’t stop men from touching your behind or rubbing your shoulder while getting off the bus. I would love to ride on the pink buses and ride without bracing myself for an untoward experience. -Arshia Malik 

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Since its conception, the services have received praise from many quarters, with women praising the convenience and peace of mind that it offers. It has also become a source of empowerment for female drivers and staff members, as it provides them with employment opportunities in a male-dominated industry.

The Pink Bus was recently integrated in Karachi on 1st February, becoming the first women-only bus service in Pakistan’s Sindh.

Reportedly, every 20 minutes during rush hour and every hour at quieter times, six pink air-conditioned buses run along one of the city’s busiest routes from Frere Hall to Clifton Bridge.

“If this is successful, we can bring in more buses throughout the city, and eventually all of Sindh,” says Sharjeel Memon, the province’s transport minister.

Memon wants to make public transport safer and easier for women to use. “We have assessed that 50% of the commuters during rush hour are women and there is not enough space in the bus for them to ride in a dignified manner.”

Dr Hadia Majid, an associate professor at Lahore University, has been researching transportation and its links to women’s participation in the labour market. She sees the pink buses as a positive step in encouraging more women into the workplace.

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Pink Bus & Pink Taxi – The Challenges

While the services have been appreciated, they’ve also been criticized with some claiming that it reinforces gender stereotypes and reinforces the notion that women are not safe in public spaces. C

Critics argue that instead of creating separate spaces for women, the focus should be on addressing the root causes of harassment and discrimination.

Despite these criticisms, the Pink Bus & Pink Taxi service are making a difference for women in Karachi. It offers a much-needed alternative for female passengers and provides employment opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

It remains to be seen how the service will impact the larger narrative for women in Pakistan, but its launch is certainly a step in the right direction.

On the other hand, critics have also raised the question of whether will introducing more transport on the roads actually make a difference in how men perceive women. If they aren’t harassing women in public transport, will they stop harassing them on the roads, in shops, or in public parks? Will men ever change their nature just because they don’t have to share the same bus?

University student Hiba Hasan Fasihi, 19, is sceptical about whether a pink bus can “resolve the way men look at women” but says she will use the service. “The pink buses can be used during rush hour when there can be a lot of pushing and shoving.”

Yes, the service will make an impact, but again, is it enough? Seems like only time will tell. We do hope that the government continues to take such initiatives to empower the women of the country and encourage them to come out of their homes.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

Sindh Govt. Announces Pink Taxi Cab Services for Women in Karachi

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