Women's Empowerment Through Access to Safe Transport
The Impact of Sexual and Nonsexual Victimization on Female Commuters in Bangladesh and Cambodia
Julie King (Queensland University of Technology)
Mark King (Queensland University of Technology)
Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios (Queensland University of Technology)
Hanna Watling (Queensland University of Technology)
Julie Anne Carroll (Queensland University of Technology)
Melissa Bull (Queensland University of Technology)
Deanna Grant-Smith (Queensland University of Technology)
Mujibul Anam (Jahangirnagar University)
Sakony Pen (Queensland University of Technology)
Danielle Davidson (Queensland University of Technology)
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Abstract
An examination of women's experience on public transport in Bangladesh and Cambodia found that victimization does reduce perceived safety or transport use. In a cultural context where women are socialized to fear and avoid public spaces, experiencing victimization may confirm rather than change previous beliefs. Moreover, it is possible that the participants’ use of public transport was driven by necessity rather than choice and that they were unable to change travel patterns in response to victimization. These findings underscore the importance of targeting public violence toward women and the broader societal norms that limit their participation in public life.