An initiative is emerging in the heart of Latin America Prevention measure in the fight against harassment and violence against women in public transport. While the cities of this region are bustling with life and movement, two nations have taken significant steps to ensure safer travel for their citizens: the introduction of women-only rail carriages. This measure is taken in countries where harassment in public spaces is a widespread problem.
The initiative, which has generated both support and debate, is presented as a temporary but necessary solution towards more egalitarian and safer societies. Although gender segregation in transport may seem like a measure of the past to some, in practice it has proven to be a relief for many women who face it on a daily basis Harassment and sexual assault while driving in the city.
In some countries this measure only applies during peak hours, while in other places there are exclusive queues for women only. Photo: Latercera
YOU CAN SEE: Which is the country with the worst minimum wage in Latin America? It's not Argentina or Peru
Which are the only two countries in Latin America that have exclusive train cars for women?
In Latin America, Mexico and Brazil are considered pioneers in introducing women-only carriages into their subway systems. This measure, originally carried out as a social and safety experiment, has proven to be a success in terms of acceptability and effectiveness. In the Mexico CityThe pink cars, as they are popularly known, operate during rush hours and provide space for women and children under 12 years of age without harassment. Likewise in Sao PauloExclusive carriages at certain times of the day were a concrete response to the demand for safer transportation options for women.
The Federal District of Mexico Metro’s “Safe Travels” program began in 2007. Photo: Uchile
When will the subway be safe for women?
Women's safety on the subway is a growing concern as reports of sexual harassment and violence have increased in recent decades. In the past, public transportation was considered relatively safe, but as cities grew and densified, perceptions and realities began to change. In response, countries outside Latin Americaas Japanintroduced carriages for women only in the 2000s, setting a precedent Mexico and Brazil They would continue years later.
YOU CAN SEE: Discover the Latin American country with the highest minimum wage than some European countries
Which South American countries will implement this measure?
With the success seen in Mexico and BrazilOther South American countries are considering introducing similar measures. Chile, for example, has shown interest in having women-only cars in its subway system in Santiago as part of a broader plan to combat sexual harassment. This initiative, still in the discussion phase, reflects growing regional recognition of the need for safe spaces for women on public transport. Implementing such measures in South America could represent a significant change in the way women's safety is addressed in urban spaces.