Women drivers face social stigma, inadequate facilities: Experts

Despite growing demand, Bangladesh continues to face a shortage of trained women drivers due to social barriers and inadequate facilities, stakeholders said at an event in Dhaka today.

They noted that while many women are interested in driving, the number of licensed women drivers remains low, and professional women drivers are still rare.

The observations came at an event titled, "Women Behind the Wheel: Celebrating Achievement, Advancing Road Safety and Inclusive Transport", organised by Brac's Road Safety Programme at Brac Centre in Mohakhali, according to a press release.

Stakeholders said increasing women's participation in the profession could improve mobility, create employment opportunities and promote financial independence. They stressed the need for quality training and a change in societal attitudes.

Certificates were awarded to 10 women who successfully completed a three-month residential training programme at Brac Driving School (BDS), which included theoretical and practical driving lessons, English communication training, and sessions on gender and safeguarding.

Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister for Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid said women in the transport sector have long faced social barriers and stereotypes.

He said women-only bus services, professional driver training programmes and licensing initiatives are creating new employment opportunities for women.

Brac Enterprises Managing Director Tamara Hasan Abed said Brac has long worked to ensure equal opportunities and build a more inclusive society.

MP Anna Minj highlighted social acceptance and the lack of facilities, including toilets and other basic amenities, as major challenges for women drivers.

Since its establishment in 2012, Brac Driving School has trained more than 13,500 people, including 159 women as professional drivers. It has also trained 409 driving instructors.

BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Brac Road Safety Programme Director Ahmed Najmul Hussain, among others, also spoke at the event.