Female taxi operators in Fiji are warning that long shifts and poorly lit ranks leave drivers and passengers exposed.
FBC News quotes operator Salima Bi, speaking for women in the trade, saying many work late into the night to make ends meet and face robbery, harassment and dark ranks with little lighting. She says fatigue after shifts of up to 18 hours creates road risk for everyone. Fiji Zone Taxi Association national secretary Mohammed Shameem called driver safety non-negotiable and asked the Police Minister, Commissioner and Director of Operations for foot patrols in the CBD. The push is for safer conditions both for women behind the wheel and women passengers relying on taxis after dark.