Strike me pink!

A year ago, the Mexican Government started a line of Pink Taxis in Puebla. The taxis are just for women (both passengers and drivers). It was an attempt to bolster both female safety and employment.  I love this initaitve – and love it even more when I hear about the latest touches these taxis are doing – like beauty kits in each taxi and security systems to protect both the driver and the passenger once on the road.

The taxis have invited plenty of controversy - with many feminists saying that it doesn’t get to the root of the problem and actually undermines women by playing up to stereotypes (pink, beauty-kits etc).  Obviously, Pink taxi disagree – as do their fan base on Facebook –  a platform they have used to tout all things pro-female – like workplace equality and female-entrepreneur success stories. It’s admirable that not only do they embrace this controversy, but start and lead conversations that are much bigger than a metered fare cab ride would permit. And that’s a tactic many challengers embrace – sail headlong into conflict with a strong POV on which side of the fence you sit. It affords you great advocates; and haters – but ensures you will at the very least, get noticed.