However, in a male-dominated society like ours, girls are still considered to be the weaker sex and vulnerable as compared to their male counterparts. [break]
Therefore, it is a fact that girls do not enjoy as much freedom as the boys do and they definitely don´t feel safe to be out all alone, especially during the night. Though there have not been any significant cases of crimes related to girls in night cabs in Kathmandu, there are chances they could be victims of the unscrupulous cab drivers who often try to take advantage of their vulnerability.
Priyata Rawal, a student, says, "I try to avoid riding in a cab at night without any guardians as much as possible since I feel very insecure to commute alone."
However, there are many girls who have to depend on public transportation for commuting. Thus at night, they have no other choice than to take cabs. The city is almost dead by eight pm and the after 11 pm deadline has made the situation worse. The problem is really not the day time.
Deep Shumsher Rana, an inspector, says, "There are hardly any cases of crimes related to girls using the night taxis since most of the girls using cabs are familiar with the drivers. However, it´s better if the girls take precautions and remain on the safe side."
At night, cab drivers may take advantage and overcharge if a girl is alone, increasing the chances of getting ripped off. Sami Thapa, a student and a part-time worker, says, "We know that cabs overcharge at night but I feel they charge way more than they actually should. Even so, I always end up paying anyway as I don´t feel safe to argue with the drivers at night."
Most of us know by experience that there are many ways that a taxi driver can manipulate the taxi meter to increase the fare without the passenger being aware. There are many circumstances when girls actually are knowingly ripped off either out of fear, intimidation or simply because they are helpless and find no way to argue. Getting home at night is thus, no easy feat. And even when arriving safely at home, disapproving parents always await.
Parents tend not to approve of their daughters taking a cab since crime rates in the valley are at their peak during the night. Sushil KC, a parent of a 17-year-old daughter from Lalitpur says, "Kathmandu used to be safe but it´s not so now and I don´t feel secure about my daughter being out all alone in a taxi at night. I don´t feel confident about night cabbies at all."
Though parents seem reluctant about allowing their daughters to use night cabs, there is no option left for the young girls as all the public transportation in Kathmandu virtually stops by eight pm. Many girls thus resort to lying to their parents telling them that their friends were dropping them off just to avoid all the hassles and arguments. However, by doing so they may just be inviting more trouble as it is very important for the parents to know about their whereabouts.
Nonetheless, girls are somewhat aware of the risks and have taken up smart measures to stay safe. Asha Rana, an intern at a commercial bank says, "Sometimes I have no other option but to take a cab at night after work. I feel safe as I have the contact number of few familiar cab drivers whom I call when I need to."
Looks like whether safe or unsafe, girls in Katmandu are certainly using night cabs. The issue, therefore, is not about whether or not to take night cabs but about how to ensure maximum safety in these cabs. Acknowledging the fact that girls who are traveling alone at night are susceptible to crime and are likely to get ripped off, if precautionary measures are taken, there may not be a whole lot to be frightened of.
How to be on the safe side
- l Be confident and affirmative.
- l Try and have some cab numbers you can rely on and have been in before that you can call for a ride.
- l Always take down the taxi number.
- l Don´t pay more if you are positive you´re being ripped off.
- l Let your guardian or your friend know that you are in the cab.
- l If the cab you are riding breaks down, wait for another one and call your guardian immediately.
- l Before the taxi moves, check if the lock of the door works or not.
- l During the drive, pay attention to where the driver takes you. If he´s driving into dark, remote and unfamiliar area complain right away and be prepared to act.
- l If you feel that something´s wrong and have any problem just scream from the window to attract attention so that you can get help from people.
- l If you feel unsafe, contact from your cell phone immediately.
- l Always have a number ready on your speed-dial (your home number or your parents´ numbers).
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