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Life Between Signals

Traffic Police department under the Nepal Police have 125 women working in different posts in capital. About 14 hours of day, these traffic police women are seen in busy streets managing the traffic.

But for the Nepali society which is still male-dominant, these women have not got due recognition, nor have they received proper encouragement. In most of the cases, traffic police women are made to feel inferior in the case when they have to enforce the traffic rules, just because most of those who drive on the roads are men.

It was only in 2005, first Women Traffic Police Sector was established at Thapathali in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is a fine example that women perform their duty more diligently that the traffic flow is more managed in the intersections where traffic police women regulate the traffic.

But they have not been able to receive proper encouragement. They are not viewed as ‘capable’ but in most of the cases are viewed as just ‘women’, which is not justifiable. They wish to received respect and encouragement. They say that it will be easier for them to establish themselves in the society if their potential was justified.

Women have broken the glass ceiling and have ventured of their kitchen. Traffic police women say that more and more women should be encouraged to take up challenges.

Photographs & Text: Sailendra Kharel

Website: www.lightstalkers.org/sailendra_kharel

Blog: www.sailendrakharel.wordpress.com