Female-Only Subway Cars: A Solution for Safer Commutes in China?

For millions in China's megacities, subway rides during rush hour feel like joining a packed concert crowd – minus the fun. But beyond the discomfort lies a darker reality: sexual harassment. A recent WeChat poll by CGTN revealed nearly 14% of female commuters in China believe they've been harassed on public transport.

Take Wang Xin's story: During a routine Beijing subway ride, she felt an unwelcome hand on her thigh. 'I froze,' she recalls. 'But since my stop was coming, I stayed silent.' Her experience echoes countless others in cities where crowded trains create opportunities for predators.

Some cities like Beijing and Shanghai now offer women-only subway cars during peak hours. But here's the catch: they're optional, not enforced. 'It helps me breathe easier,' says Li Na, a frequent commuter in Shanghai. Yet critics argue this 'Band-Aid solution' doesn't address root causes.

The debate heats up online: Should China make female-only cars permanent? Or does this shift responsibility to victims rather than preventing harassment? The CGTN survey shows 13% of respondents aren't even sure what counts as harassment – highlighting a need for public education.

As China's urban populations keep growing (5 megacities and counting!), this isn't just about comfy commutes. It's about reimagining public spaces where everyone can ride in peace. What do you think – is segregation the answer, or should cities focus on stricter anti-harassment measures? Let us know @NewspaperAmigo!

Reference(s):

Can female-only subway carriages provide safer commutes?

cgtn.com