The Hindu
What they say
- Working in night shifts is a major problem
- Handling men who are inebriated is tough
- Men's overtures a menace
- Uniform ensures safety
Bangalore, Aug 14: One profession where women are gaining an upper hand is as bus conductors. They have to work odd shifts, manage the occasional drunken passenger, control the crowd and see to problems such as lack of small change.
Lakshmidevi, a bus conductor, told The Hindu that "When we became bus conductors, acceptance from society was a problem. Even our families were not happy with our job and we had a tough time. But things have turned out to be better."
Revathi, a conductor on route no 234, said: "Initially, I had to face the wrath of my in-laws. I had to give equal attention to my child who was six years old then and manage my shifts." But her husband encouraged her, she added.
Another conductor Pramila said a major problem was the night shifts. Handling men who were in an inebriated state was a tough task. "Most of the time I reach home late at night. The overtures of some men is a menace, particularly when the buses are crowded and they take advantage of it," she added. However, Lakshmi who works on the Rajarajeshwarinagar route, has a different story to tell. "I do accept that this is a tough profession for women. Half the problem can be solved if we carry ourselves properly. We should be strong enough to handle people under all circumstances," she said.
Ramya on route no 12 said: "In a crowded bus someone may brush against you. But you cannot feel offended as there is no space to move."
"We feel safe when we are in uniform. It gives us a secured feeling," Vidya, another conductor, said.
There are 6,500 bus conductors in the city. Of them, 816 are women. This shows that women are somewhat hesitant in taking up the profession. However, there has been a rise in their numbers in the recent years.
Woman Empowered: