LAHORE (APP) – A Pakistani environmentalist, fed up with being groped and harassed by male auto-rickshaw drivers, has launched her own service exclusively for women passengers and drivers in her home city of Lahore – with just the one rickshaw on the road so far.
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Zar Aslam, president of Pakistan’s non-profit Environment Protection Fund, said she once narrowly escaped kidnapping by a rickshaw driver when she was a student, which triggered the idea of launching her “Pink Rickshaw” service.
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“This is another step towards women’s financial and professional empowerment,” Aslam told Reuters at her home in Lahore, showing off her first rickshaw.
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“I and my co-workers face harassment by male auto drivers or by passersby while waiting for public transport.”
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The “rickshaws” are covered three-wheel motorcycles and Aslam bought one to start with, added fans, doors and headlights and painted it pink and white.
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The plan is to have at least 25 up and running by the end of the year, with the Aslam looking out for sponsors.
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“One auto costs 300,000 rupees (about $3,000), therefore it cannot be done without sponsorship from donors,” she said, adding that the government has not offered any assistance.
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“We will lease out the autos to deserving females on easy installment,” Aslam said. “We will teach them driving and will also help them get the driving license.”