Women in Pakistan deal with real barriers like social pressure, harassment, and family limits. Better training, stronger law enforcement, and improved security can help. However, women drivers also have a part to play by driving responsibly, following road rules, and showing that their skills are on par with anyone else’s. A balanced effort—both from society and from women themselves—will create a safer, more welcoming environment on the road. Tomorrow is Women’s Day, and so for that reason, here are some of the major challenges female drivers face in Pakistan.
Social Pressure
Many women in Pakistan still face the idea that only men should drive. This belief can make women feel judged or worried every time they sit behind the wheel. They may fear being labeled “unfit drivers” or face criticism from family and friends. Overcoming these thoughts can be tough, especially if people around them discourage learning or practicing how to drive.
Harassment on the Road
Harassment is another big hurdle. Women drivers often deal with rude comments, stares, or even risky driving maneuvers from others on the road. Some people may follow them or refuse to give them space, leading to high stress and a sense of danger. This behavior makes women uneasy and sometimes convinces them not to drive at all.
Lack of Training Options
Many areas do not have enough driving schools that welcome female students. Some families are also uncomfortable sending women to learn from male instructors.
As a result, women often have less practice handling busy roads or tricky maneuvers like parking. They usually seek to understand through female instructors, and that’s the domino effect: women are not good at driving, and they learn through women, and because they learn through women instructors, their driving is not good.
Family Restrictions
In some households, the power to decide who drives lies with the father or husband. Women might have to ask permission each time they want to drive, leading to less practice and more anxiety on the road. This limited driving time means they may never become fully confident, which feeds into the belief that women are not good drivers.
Security Concerns
Worries about safety also stop some women from driving. They fear car troubles in lonely areas or breakdowns at night. With weak police presence in some regions, women may not feel comfortable handling these risks alone. This lack of security discourages them from going out unless it is absolutely needed.
Driving Responsibly
At the same time, women drivers should also pay attention to their driving habits. Driving slowly in the fast lane, staying in the middle of white lines, or switching lanes without indicators can cause danger. Panicking during rush-hour traffic or while riding a scooter on the main road can lead to accidents and reinforce negative views.
We even notice female scooter riders occupying the fast lane and riding their EV scooter at 40 Km/h and not giving way to the vehicle in the back of them; no matter how much dipper or horn back the car provides, they don’t give way. That is another reason why people create this stereotype of women as not good drivers.
What are your thoughts on the challenges female drivers face in Pakistan? Share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments section.
