Globally, real and perceived threats of violence against women in transport or in public, such as sexual harassment, is one of the biggest mobility barriers affecting women disproportionately. The lack of safe transport can translate into young girls missing schools, women apprehensive to work far away from home or even giving up their jobs, and being unable to access health and child care services.

According to the data presented by the Nepal Police, from 10 December 2020 to 13 January 2021, a total of 102 cases of harassment in public were registered to the Metropolitan Police Office, Ranipokhari. Although such cases have been registered, many remain unknown and forgotten. Such incidents push women to find alternative ways to travel or avoid traveling on public transports altogether.

 However for most of the students and working women in Kathmandu, crowded buses and micros are the only means of transportation. “I personally don’t feel that women are safe in public buses. In a crowded space there isn’t much we can do. Once, when traveling in a crowded bus, I was pulled forcefully to make space for others. I was manhandled and tossed around as if I was an object. That made me extremely upset over the incident.” said Preeti Kariya, a student and everyday commuter.

Similarly, Shubhani Dabadi, another student, exclaimed disappointment and disgust over the behavior of men intentionally touching and rubbing against women.