All Aboard the Ladies Special

Women in India's four largest cities have found a safe-haven from the catcalling and rude behavior of some of India's men on the over-crowded commuter trains, this woman-friendly transportation is called "the Lades Special" train. There are currently 8 trains running women back and forth from home to work. As more and more women flooded the work force in India's economic centers, sexual harassment and lewd behavior became more of an issue. "Violence against women...increased, according to national statistics. Between 2003 and 2007, rape cases rose by more than 30 percent, kidnapping or abduction cases rose by more than 50 percent, while torture and molestation also jumped sharply." The women riding the train say that they like the freedom it gives them, they feel safer and more comfortable. Some men however are still trying to derail the trains vandalizing the cars or harassing the passengers from the platform. Ultimately, however, the women see it as a positive step towards equality for their sex.

While I think this is a good option for women, as they should be able to get to work and school safely, I think the problem itself is a bit scary. The fact that women are being harassed, to this point, in a relatively progressive country in terms of women's rights is an issue. I think the men are acting out because more and more women are making money for themselves, independent of their husbands, as one woman said: "If something happens to the marriage, you have something.” I think a lot of the men doing the harassing and protesting are trying to keep women home, and I'm glad to see that it's not working, if anything it is encouraging more women to stand up for their own rights.