Partnership with MTC
As a first step in this campaign, we have associated with Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd. With the assistance of Mr. Gnana Sambantham, Associate Director of Safety, MTC, we conducted a Gender Sensitisation Workshop for their drivers and conductors, at the training institute of MTC in Chromepet.
Around 140 MTC drivers and conductors from Chromepet, Gummudipoondi, Aynavaram and Guindy participated in the workshop.
We found that many staff are unaware of how to handle complaints and women still fear to draw attention to any problems they may be facing on the bus. The goal of this workshop is to create awareness about gender-based violence and discuss gender discrimination and the myths surrounding it. We have educated them on legal accountability and their responsibility when a passenger faces assault.
” I believe such workshops have sensitized them to the rights of women and encouraged them to report any harassment they witness. In fact, this workshop encouraged them to share their experiences with female passengers. It also detailed certain decorum they need to maintain during their duty hours”
- Gnana Sambantham, Associate Director of Safety, MTC
Panel Discussion with MTC
On 2nd December, 2017 we organized a conference titled "Towards Safer and Gender Empowered Chennai" where we brought educators, activists, artists, government officials, representatives from diverse backgrounds together to discuss and share their experiences and insights in building a gender equitable city with policies and practices
We had a panel discussion inviting MTC for a discussion on
"HOW TO MAKE ALL PUBLIC TRANSITS, SAFER & GENDER INCLUSIVE?"
We had field experts as panelists that include;
Aswathy Dilip (Program Manager, Tamil Nadu – ITDP)
Thirupurasundari (Architect Planner, Heritage Consultant, Independent Re- searcher – Founder of Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai)
Gnana Sambantham S (Associate Director, Safety Department, MTC)
Moderated by Radha Krishnan (Social Worker, Activist, Initiator of Accident Free Nation Movement, Founder of Thozhan, Social Reform Group)
Commitment made by MTC
Installation of CCTV cameras across MTC Buses. Trial run of installation in 10 Buses already been done.
Mobile App to be released to handle the complaints, which is planned to be executed by MTC and police collaboratively.
Assured to train Conductors / Drivers more on Gender equity & Women Safety.
Dedicated complaint number for MTC – 9445030516 and feedback @ mtcbus.org
