In a bid to combat sexual harassment on public transport, countries across the globe have long adopted a simple yet controversial measure: women-only carriages. From the metro trains of Cairo to the trams of Alexandria and the subways of Tokyo, these designated compartments aim to provide a safer travel space. Yet in the UK, this concept remains a relic of the past, even as reports of sexual offences on Transport for London (TfL) services are on the rise.
A Global Precedent for Safer Travel
This protective measure is not a novel idea. In Japan, women-only carriages were implemented years ago and continue to operate in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Similarly, in Brazil, dedicated cars aim to decrease sexual harassment on the subway. The system is also present in nations such as Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia, with Jakarta being a prime example.
The advantages of such a system are significant. The Telegraph reported that it improves female solo travel. For instance, on certain sleeper trains in Kazakhstan where female-only cars are staffed by female conductors, the feeling of safety is greatly enhanced. While these carriages will not eradicate sexual harassment entirely, they are widely seen as a positive step forward, helping both tourists and locals avoid unwanted advances.
The London Campaign and the Backlash
Earlier this year, this international model found a champion in London. Camille Brown, a 21-year-old UCL student, launched a campaign calling for women-only carriages on the London Underground. Her petition, signed by more than 12,000 people, urged Mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL to 'do more to protect women', citing public transport harassment as a 'growing issue' in the capital.
Brown's proposition was for at least one dedicated women-only carriage on every Tube line to limit gender-based harassment. The campaign garnered the attention of the London Mayor, but the response was deeply divided. While many supported the idea, it was met with substantial criticism. Opponents voiced outrage, arguing that it increases segregation and that similar initiatives are underutilised in other places.
An Alternative Proposal and Rising Crime Statistics
Adding a new dimension to the debate, women's rights campaigner Patsy Stevenson recently rejected calls for female-only Tube carriages. Instead, she proposed a more radical solution: segregating men, who constitute the 'majority' of offenders. Stevenson argued that a men-only carriage would be more effective than segregating the victims in driving down harassment and sexual assault on the network.
The urgency of this issue is underscored by official figures. According to a BBC report, there were 907 sexual offences reported across all TfL services in the first six months of 2025. This marks an increase from the 879 incidents reported in the same period the previous year, highlighting a persistent and growing problem on London's public transport.
