Empowering Transport Workers to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking

Today, on December 8th, Maiti Nepal hosted an orientation program for transport workers in Kathmandu as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event brought together members of the Nepal Transport Workers Union and drivers operating on various routes within the Kathmandu Valley to address key issues surrounding safety and security in the transport sector.

The session shed light on the harassment faced by female drivers, especially those working night shifts, and the challenges they endure on a daily basis. Drivers also shared their concerns about the lack of training on handling harassment cases, identifying trafficking indicators, and protecting vulnerable passengers.

Maiti Nepal’s founder and chairperson Ms. Anuradha Koirala raised critical concerns about the use of long-distance buses by traffickers for internal human trafficking. To tackle this, CCTV installation in buses and a strong monitoring mechanism were proposed as immediate steps. Additionally, the importance of capacity-building programs for drivers and transport workers was highlighted to equip them with the skills and knowledge to identify and address such issues effectively.

Ending gender-based violence and trafficking requires collaborative efforts. It is essential to empower our transport workers to be the first line of defense in ensuring safety and security for all passengers.