Squeezing into a packed subway train is a familiar experience for most city dwellers in China. With five megacities each boasting populations over 10 million, the close physical proximity on subways has become the norm. However, overcrowded carriages often fail to provide a safe space for passengers.
Several years ago, Wang Xin was riding the subway in Beijing when she felt an unwanted touch on her inner thigh. Turning her head, she saw a thin-framed man with glasses. \"It was unlikely that he did that unintentionally,\" Wang recalled with disgust, \"But I chose to be silent because I was about to get off the train.\"
Wang's experience is, unfortunately, not isolated. An online poll conducted by CGTN in August on WeChat, China's largest messaging app, revealed that nearly nine percent of 865 respondents from China had experienced harassment on the subway. Additionally, more than 13 percent were unsure if their uncomfortable experiences constituted harassment. Among female participants, almost 14 percent felt they had been harassed, compared to about four percent of male participants.
In response to these concerns, some cities have considered or implemented women-only subway carriages as a measure to enhance safety. Proponents argue that such carriages can provide a secure environment for women, reducing the incidence of harassment and allowing for a more comfortable commute. Critics, however, raise questions about the effectiveness of this approach and whether it addresses the root causes of harassment.
As urban populations continue to grow, finding sustainable and effective solutions to ensure safe public transportation remains a critical issue. Women-only carriages represent one potential step towards creating safer commuting experiences, but ongoing dialogue and comprehensive strategies are essential to address the complexities of public safety in overcrowded transit systems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
