I’m Harnoor, and I’ve always believed that no woman should have to feel unsafe just trying to get from one place to another. That belief grew stronger as I got older and started hearing stories from friends, family, and even strangers about the dangers women face while simply commuting—whether it’s riding in taxis, waiting for a bus, or walking down the street. We all know the feeling of being stared at, that unsettling sensation that makes you want to get out of a situation as quickly as possible.
So when I heard about an initiative dedicated to women’s safety, I knew I had to be a part of it. Today, I work for a women’s safety initiative that focuses on providing safe transportation for girls and women, and it’s honestly the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Our goal? To hire female drivers for women who feel uncomfortable with male drivers.
It’s something that seems so simple but is so powerful. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard women tell me they’d rather walk home alone in the dark than get into a car with a male driver. The stories are heartbreaking. One of my close friends, Jasleen, was once followed home by a male driver after she got dropped off late at night. She didn’t want to worry her parents, so she never told them, but the trauma lingered. That’s the reality for so many of us, and I knew we had to change that.
The initiative isn’t just about offering women drivers, though. We realized there’s another gap in safety that needed to be addressed: the wait. How many times have we stood on the corner, waiting for our ride, feeling exposed to the wandering eyes of men who seem to think that because we’re standing there, we’re somehow inviting their attention?
That’s why we introduced hubs—safe, comfortable spaces specifically for women and girls to wait for their ride to arrive. These hubs are tailored for us, designed with security in mind, and located in areas where women are more likely to be commuting. Whether it’s after a late-night study session or a night out with friends, you can come into these hubs and feel a sense of relief. No more looking over your shoulder or wondering if the man sitting across from you is staring for too long.
I’ve personally seen the impact of these hubs. There’s this young girl, Simran, who used to avoid going out at night entirely because she didn’t feel safe waiting for her ride. The first time she used one of our hubs, I remember the smile on her face when she told me she felt like she could finally breathe. That’s the power of safety—it allows women to reclaim their freedom.
Of course, there are challenges. Convincing people to hire more women drivers and finding secure locations for these hubs hasn’t been easy, but we’re making progress. Every time I see a new woman driver come on board, or a young girl stepping into a hub, I feel like we’re one step closer to a world where women don’t have to constantly be on alert.
And it’s not just about the service itself; it’s about the message we’re sending. We’re saying that women’s safety matters, that we have a right to feel secure, and that we’re not alone in this.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just my story—it’s the story of every woman who has ever felt unsafe while trying to get home, who’s had to second-guess her mode of transport, or who’s stood on a street corner and pretended to be on the phone to ward off unwanted attention. We’re stronger together, and I truly believe that as more of us stand up for each other, we’ll create the kind of world where no woman has to fear something as simple as getting from one place to another.
I’m proud to be part of this movement, and I know that we’re making a difference. For every woman who chooses to wait in one of our hubs or requests a female driver, it’s a step towards a safer future for all of us. Together, we’re creating a world where women can feel safe, not just in transit but everywhere.
Picture source: Pinterest
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