Teased female Herat drivers vow to stand strong

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): While more than 250 women have been issued driving license in western Herat province, most of the female drivers complain they are being subjected to eve-teasing and harassment by men.

In an interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Aminullah Maihanyar, provincial Traffic Department head, said: “Women cause least traffic accidents in all over the world, that’s why we are supporting them in this cause. More than 250 women have been trained about traffic rules and issued driving licenses.”

But most of the female drivers complain about inappropriate behavior of male drivers towards them. They are being teased by men drivers throughout the city.

Shayma Wafaee, who goes to office in her car, told Pajhwok that women drivers faced harassment but they would stand strong and prove their position in the society.

Jaheda Sadat, who has been a driver for seven years, believes that men and women must enjoy equal rights in the society and there should be no bars against female drivers.

She believes women must fight for their rights in the society and stand strong to earn their rights.

Basir Ahmad Muhammadi, a member of a driver’s training center in Heart, told Pajhwok though the number of female drivers is increasing in this city, yet the culture of women driving is not institutionalized in the society. “Most of the female drivers are being taunted by some people while driving,” he added.

Experts believe the government must pave the way for women to participate in different social activities.

Naimatullah Sarwari, an expert in social affairs, said some men consider female driving as inappropriate and try stop it. “Afghanistan need educated and active women. Women’s participation in several social affairs will be useful for development of Afghanistan”, he added.

Herat has the highest number of female drivers after Kabul City.

smea/ma