Ensure 15% drivers in ride booking apps are women: HC to Raj govt
The Rajasthan High Court has issued a significant directive to the state government, emphasizing the need to increase the representation of women drivers on ride-booking apps. The court has instructed the government to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on these platforms are women, with a goal to increase this percentage to 25% over the next 2-3 years. This move aims to enhance the safety and comfort of female passengers, who often face concerns when using ride-hailing services.
The High Court’s directive is a response to the growing demand for greater representation of women in the ride-booking industry. The court recognized that the current lack of female drivers on these platforms can make women feel vulnerable, particularly when traveling alone at night. By increasing the number of women drivers, the court hopes to provide female passengers with a greater sense of security and comfort.
One of the key aspects of the court’s directive is the requirement for ride-booking apps to provide an option for female passengers to choose a female driver first. This feature would allow women to prioritize their safety and comfort, giving them greater control over their travel experience. The court noted that this option is essential in ensuring that female passengers feel safe and secure while using ride-hailing services.
The Rajasthan High Court’s directive is a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the state. By increasing the representation of women drivers on ride-booking apps, the government can help to break down social and cultural barriers that often prevent women from pursuing careers in the transportation sector. Moreover, this move can also help to challenge traditional stereotypes and biases that often discourage women from working in male-dominated industries.
The court’s instruction to increase the percentage of women drivers to 25% over the next 2-3 years is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. This goal is ambitious, but achievable, and it will require the government and ride-booking companies to work together to recruit and train more women drivers.
The benefits of increasing the number of women drivers on ride-booking apps are numerous. Not only will it enhance the safety and comfort of female passengers, but it will also provide women with greater economic opportunities and independence. Women drivers can earn a steady income, support their families, and contribute to the economy, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and quality of life.
Furthermore, the presence of women drivers on ride-booking apps can also help to challenge traditional attitudes and biases towards women’s roles in society. By seeing women drivers on the road, people can begin to break down their stereotypes and recognize that women are capable of performing a wide range of tasks and jobs. This can help to promote greater gender equality and social justice, which are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court’s directive to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women is a significant step forward in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. By increasing the representation of women drivers on these platforms, the government can help to enhance the safety and comfort of female passengers, provide women with greater economic opportunities, and challenge traditional attitudes and biases towards women’s roles in society. The goal to increase the percentage of women drivers to 25% over the next 2-3 years is ambitious, but achievable, and it will require the government and ride-booking companies to work together to recruit and train more women drivers.
The directive is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, and it has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of women in Rajasthan. As the state government works to implement this directive, it is essential to monitor progress and ensure that the goals set by the court are met. By doing so, the government can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have greater opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
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