In Puebla, Mexico a fleet of government-backed taxis has hit the streets. The taxis are painted Pepto pink, and each is equipped with a GPS system and alarm button. Oh, and a beauty kit.
The taxis cater to women only and don't stop for men. Following a world-wide trend of women-only subway cars and other modes of transportation, Puebla is the latest city to offer transportation exclusive to women. The impetus for the taxis apprently came from a growing number of women in Puebla who were becoming increasingly bothered by leering male taxi cab drivers.
But is separating women and casting them, even more definitively, as "others" helping to solve the problem of harassment? Is offering a mode of escape from harassers the solution, or should the onus be put on men to stop harassing women? This move will surely provide relief to a number of women who felt anxiety about their nightly commutes, but, symbolically, it could be seen as a move that would exacerbate the problem. Treating a symptom without first investigating and trying to eradicate the source can be more harmful in the longrun.
