// VIEWS

In cities around the world, the daily commute is a routine task that millions of women undertake, yet it is fraught with challenges that are often overlooked.

Public transportation, the backbone of urban mobility, is not designed with women’s diverse needs in mind. From safety concerns and accessibility issues to high travel costs, women face a range of obstacles that can turn a simple journey into a daunting experience. But women are not a homogeneous group; their challenges vary widely depending on their age, socioeconomic status, and identity. Bindu, a young woman who has recently moved to a new city for her job, is eager to explore and find the most convenient mode of transport to reach her workplace every day. To her dismay, however, she soon realizes that finding a safe, convenient, and affordable mode of transport is not easy. These concerns are poignantly highlighted in OMI Foundation’s Data Comics ‘Moving While Woman: Bindu’s Big City Journey’, where Bindu’s experiences reflect the multifaceted challenges faced by women in urban environments. The comics delve into the distinct challenges encountered by women, as a heterogeneous group, from marginalized castes and communities, women with disabilities, senior citizens, women travelling with children, and trans/ non-binary individuals. OMI’s data comics, designed in collaboration with the Leewardists, is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. Be sure to download a copy here and explore the stories that shed light on the complex challenges women face in urban mobility. Give it a read and join the conversation for more inclusive and equitable mobility systems!

Project Concept & Research: Aishwarya Agarwal, OMI Foundation

Writing: Shreya Khandekar & Anuj Kale; Leewardists

Illustration & Coloring: Kaniska Mutum Singh &Rishikant Patra; Leewardists

Our data comic aims to spark meaningful conversations, build collaborations, and inspire action among city planners, administrators, law enforcement, civil society, and everyday commuters. Together, we can create safer, more affordable, inclusive, and accessible cities across India. We invite you to explore the full version of our data comics, available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. Feel free to share it with your friends and family, and join us on this journey to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

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