Pragga Das

Public transport is an essential part of modern urban life. Every day, countless women rely on public transportation to commute to workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and social engagements. However, the true nature of the city becomes evident as soon as a woman steps onto the streets. For women, the journey is never just about walking on the road, it is an arduous struggle. The path to work, education, or personal needs has never been easy for them, and it remains challenging even today.

Despite significant advancements and developments over time, women's safety in public transport remains largely unprotected.Public transport is a constant battleground for women. Unwanted pressure from behind, inappropriate touches, lewd smiles, or the silent terror of physical harassment, these have become an everyday reality for most women. The moment they board a bus, the male gaze begins to weigh them down. The conductor’s indecent smile, the discomforting glances of fellow passengers and each moment becomes suffocating. Even if women want to protest, the driver, helper, and most of the passengers remain silent spectators.

Sometimes, the victim herself is blamed for the situation. As a result, every bus stop has turned into a predator’s den, where women face harassment in multiple forms daily.This harassment is not limited to traditional public buses. Many women also face significant harassment in ride-sharing services. Some drivers behave rudely, ask inappropriate questions, demand phone numbers, and, in some cases, engage in sexual harassment. According to a survey by Dhaka Metropolitan Police, 9 out of 10 women have faced some form of harassment in public transport. Some are physically assaulted, while others endure psychological abuse. Due to a lack of alternative options, women are forced to tolerate this oppression every day.For female passengers, public transport has become a suffocating experience where safety is nothing more than a distant dream.

The culture of impunity and the shameless protection of offenders have turned this violence into a vicious cycle. There is no effective remedy laws exist, but their enforcement is weak; complaints are lodged, but justice remains elusive. Consequently, women are left with no choice but to endure inappropriate touches, predatory stares, and harassment in silence.In this grim reality, a technology-driven initiative has been introduced to combat the relentless harassment of women in public transport. The HELP (Harassment Elimination Literacy Program) App is not just an application , it is a powerful weapon for women's self-defense, illuminating a new horizon through technology.HELP is a smart safety tool designed to provide instant assistance to women facing any form of harassment or sexual assault in public transport. Through this app, women can use their smartphones to immediately report incidents to law enforcement agencies and request assistance in real time.

The app aims to create a safer environment for women by offering real-time support and protection.One of the core features of the app is an emergency button, which, when pressed, will automatically send alerts to nearby police stations, traffic police, and pre-selected family members. The user's location will be automatically shared with designated contacts, enabling swift intervention in case of danger. Reports submitted through the app will also reach volunteers and duty officers at nearby police stations, ensuring a rapid response. Additionally, the app is connected to Bangladesh's national emergency helpline (999), allowing direct communication with authorities.The app will also store reports, providing documented evidence for legal proceedings. Women will have the option to report incidents anonymously, ensuring their safety while taking action against offenders.

Furthermore, the app will maintain a database of buses, drivers, and conductors, enabling easy complaints against specific individuals if needed.By linking government emergency helplines, police stations, victim support centers, one-stop crisis centers, and women's rights organizations, the HELP app will offer comprehensive support for women in distress. This initiative will not only provide immediate assistance but also facilitate the legal process by preserving necessary evidence.The experience of women in public transport will not change overnight. However, with the effective implementation of the HELP app, women’s confidence will grow, offenders will face consequences, and technology will empower women to fight back. Changing societal attitudes will take time, but ensuring justice for offenders will significantly enhance women's security.If law enforcement, technology, and political commitment work together, public transport will one day cease to be a place of fear for women, transforming instead into a space of safety.

This fight is not just for women but for the entire society. When used correctly, technology will turn women from mere victims into protectors and frontline warriors against harassment.However, to ensure the success of this app, several challenges must be addressed, including technological limitations, lack of awareness and the need to enhance law enforcement response capabilities. A collective effort from the government, private organizations, and all levels of society is necessary to create a truly safe public transportation system for women.The HELP app is not just an application , it represents women’s empowerment and the fight for safety.

The writer is a, Student, Department of Economics Eden Mohila College