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Authorities in Egypt’s Beheira governorate issued an order barring women and girls from sitting next to drivers in taxis and other public transport vehicles, then rescinded it within hours after backlash.
The story began Friday evening, when Beheira governorate’s Public Parking Administration announced it would enforce a decision barring any girl or woman from sitting next to the driver in taxis and shared minibuses, as well as on local transport and tourist buses.
The parking administration said the decision would be enforced strictly on all routes without exception, arguing it was intended to safeguard public morality and passenger safety and to ensure order on public transport.
It added that the move was aimed at providing a safe and respectful environment for all citizens and ensuring drivers comply with regulations governing work at terminals and along different routes.
The Public Parking Administration warned drivers against violating the decision, saying immediate legal action would be taken against any breaches, including financial fines or suspending vehicles from service.
It also urged citizens to cooperate and report violations, citing the public interest and the need to maintain discipline within the transport system.
Hours after the decision was announced, the governorate stepped in, reversed it and canceled it.
In an official statement Saturday morning, Beheira governorate said it holds equal appreciation and respect for all citizens, especially women, adding that the government is working to protect and strengthen women’s rights and enhance their role in society, while underscoring a commitment to public decency and the protection of constitutional rights.
Data published by the United Nations Population Fund in Egypt, citing a study, show that 86.5% of surveyed women do not feel safe on public transportation.
In recent years, Egypt’s parliament has moved to tighten penalties for sexual harassment, particularly through legal amendments in 2021 and 2023 that reclassified the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony in many cases to strengthen deterrence.
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