Alleged abuse of Female taxi drivers REflECTS A BIGGER Problem about Our attitude

The alleged abuse of female taxi drivers is a matter of grave concern. It highlights that not all of us have embraced the idea of women emancipation – that our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunties, cousins and in-laws are treated equally to their male counterparts.

Equal opportunities and treatment in the workplace and the competitive business environment are an integral part of the equal rights accorded to females under our 2013 Constitution.

No woman or girl should be discriminated because of gender. Gender bias and prejudices are in direct conflict with the Constitution.

We have come a long way in addressing this issue but these latest female driver incidents clearly demonstrates that these biases and prejudices still exist in our communities.

Whenever we come across it we should speak out. The taxi industry has spoken out. It’s our turn, everyone of us who believe in equality, to speak out also.

We know that in some cultures, where women’s role is defined as different to men’s role, a woman doing a man’s work or vice versa is usually frowned upon.

Historically men drive taxis. When the first women drove taxis they raised eyebrows.

Some Fijians were and are still not used to see women driving taxis. They think it is not right because of the inherent dangers like abuse and attacks. They are also reluctant to talk about it because it is culturally insensitive.

We need to change that mind-set. There are risks in any working environment. Some of those women who work in service stations can vouch for that. While we do not condone violent or criminal acts against any worker including women, the modern reality is that there will always be risks. That’s why it’s important that we all raise our voices against anti-social behaviour and crime against the female fraternity.

Let’s add domestic violence especially to the list. Political parties, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organisations should be among the first to the frontline and defend our women. Sometimes the deafening silence is worrying. We should not give up talking and doing something about it thinking we are fighting a losing battle.

Every time we speak out we make would-be offenders pause and think twice. At the same time we should continue those training and awareness programmes to empower our people. When we change their way of thinking then we will begin to see a positive change in the statistics.

We need to change the thinking that women and girls are weaker and inferior to men and boys – that they should always play a subservient role in the home and community .

God created women to complement men. In other words they are created to be equal although with different physical attributes for specific purposes like procreation or bear children. Like men, women can drive taxis, buses, aeroplane. By the same token, men can also cook, wash dishes, iron clothes, clean the house and change diapers in their patriarchal role or as head of the home. They are not dictators. They work hand in hand with women in complimentary roles.

The recent alleged abuse of female taxi drivers prompts us to speak out and eliminate this evil from our society. NEMANI DELAIBATIKI