Finally, ‘She Taxi’ is on road. The noble initiative of the Gender Park under the Social Justice Department to make travelling of women safe was launched here on Tuesday. Minister for Social Justice M K Muneer and actor and goodwill ambassador of the initiative, Manju Warrier, flagged off the ‘She Taxi’ in front of a huge crowd gathered near a makeshift stage at the entrance of Kanakakkunnu Palace here. ‘’Through the launching of the ‘She Taxi’ service, the empowerment as well as the safety of women are being achieved,’’ said Muneer. ‘’It is a fact that safety measures for the service should be strengthened more. But it is a matter of pride that Kerala was the first to launch such a service. Our aim is to make it a ‘we taxi’,’’ the Minister said. ‘’It is a blessing that such a service is launched in our state. There is hardly anything which women have not conquered. Still, travelling alone, especially during the night, is a nightmare for them. It is amazing that Kerala became the model in such an initiative,’’ said Manju Warrier.
K Muraleedharan MLA inaugurated the call centre for the service. ‘’The objective of ensuring the safety of women is laudable. But, the women who are on the drivers’ seat of the taxis should always remain alert against the possible dangers that may occur during their work. They should always keep an eye on the passengers,’’ the MLA said. Transport Commissioner Rishi Raj Singh launched the website and the logo of ‘She Taxi.’ Social Justice Director V N Jithendran and managing director and CEO of Rain Concert Technologies, which provides the technical support for the scheme, Abhilash Pillai, exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding. Manju Warrier handed over the keys to the ‘She Taxi’ drivers.
Five taxis have launched service on a pilot basis on Tuesday. Women who had the experience of driving vehicle for more than two lakh kilometres were employed as drivers. At present, Kowdiar and Technopark are the two ‘She Taxi’ points. The taxi service can be hired through the call centre also. ‘Safe, Secure and Responsible’ Travel for Women is the main objective of the service. Maruti Suzuki provides the vehicles. Mayor K Chandrika, Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation chairperson Kulsu, Kanthari International founder Sabriye Tenberken, among others, were present.