Freedom with no freedom of movement is no freedom!!!

One thing the apartheid government did in South Africa, to limit the activities of black people and curb their ability to advance the struggle agenda, was restrict their movements. They did this by imposing a pass law (Pass Law of 1952). This law ensured that no black person (over the age of 16) was able to move around the country without a pass book, known as dompas - offenses warranted jail sentence. As a result, the dompas became the most despised symbol of apartheid.

In other instances, this government created a clear separation of the races, building facilities for “whites” and “non-whites” making sure that no “black” (or non-white) person would enjoy the privileges enjoyed by white people... including the use of a public toilet, seat in a bus or a place in a bank queue.

There is enough evidence from different societies that successful movement restrictions limit any potential for growth and self-advancement. It hinders one’s ability to pursue their dreams, both physically and mentally. I say mentally, because once one’s physical movements are restricted, their mind spends more time trying to find other mobility options, rather than act on their goals. Which, in my view is a monumental waste of mental capacity and in many instances years of dreams deferred and denied.

While South Africa no longer endures such segregation; at least not legally, one thing the apartheid system has in common with the democratic South Africa is their ability to restrict one’s movement, albeit in democracy, it is elegantly disguised. You might be wondering what I mean by such accusations!

Let me talk about freedom of movement or lack thereof... As a millennial black female (being black having a particular relevance to the story, and you’ll catch it as you read) living in South Africa, I wouldn’t say I have absolute freedom of movement. Freedom being described as total liberty and privilege to be anywhere I choose to be, anytime, doing whatever I choose to do, with whomever I choose to do it with.

Why is that the case, when we live in a democratic society, with resources purportedly available to everyone? Well, let me break it down in a few examples.

Firstly, not being able to move freely in public spaces, without fear of harassment and abuse is stripping me of my freedom of movement.

Secondly, my fear of being harassed takes away my mental capacity to deliberate on issues relating to my daily activities, my goals, and my dreams.

Thirdly, my inability to enjoy this freedom of movement leaves me in a position where I have to make choices relating to my safety as opposed to opportunity. Which on its own means, the liberty to pursue an opportunity has been tampered with.

My ability therefore to pursue my dreams is highly dependent on my strength to defy the odds presented to me by the three things mentioned above. It is limited to the extent to which I can risk my safety and life in pursuit of my dreams. It is also at a risk of failing dismally at it, because I have not fully applied my mind to the issues that matter to such dreams, but to the fight I must fight to pursue them.

A woman’s freedom of movement or lack thereof; is a major issue in her ability to participate fully in the economy, pursue her dreams and access basic social needs. This is caused by poor safety in the transport systems, affecting her mobility.

A woman’s mobility is therefore limited in the following areas:

1.   Walking as a choice of transportation - this presents safety issues as, if she chooses to walk, she exposes herself to robbery, harassment and possibly assault. Removing the choice of using this cheap means of traveling.

2.   Commuting in public transport - harassment in busses and taxis, including cat-calling, unwanted touching and some verbal abuse is one major frustration. Uncomfortable seats, overcrowded vehicles, trains moving with opens doors count among other issues.

3.   In transit (bus stops, stations, or terminals) - again women experience discomfort and harassment while waiting or moving between systems. The long waits expose them to further safety issues as described above.

These limitations therefore hinder women's ability to access opportunities and advance their and their families' goals. In order for the society to prosper, we therefore should rethink our policies, system and infrastructure designs that work against the very societal dreams and aspirations, thereby leading ourselves to higher prosperity.

The Gender in Transportation research study conducted by SADAQA - October 2018, argues that “access to transportation is essential for allowing marginalized groups, including poor citizens, the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities, to achieve their full potential. Hence, countries around the world advocate for efficient and equitable transportation systems.”

The study also concludes that increasing women’s accessibility and usability of public transport will elevate overall economic and social growth. This highlights the fact that introducing viable and gender-sensitive transportation methods is fundamental to the nation’s development. (SADAQA, 2018)

Why then do we claim freedom, when a big part of the society’s freedom of movement is limited? Why turn a blind eye to issues affecting much of the society? Why continue to create, design and build to “oppress” others?

If we claim to be a free society, I think it’s only fair that we consider freedom from a point of view of every member of the society. It’s also required of us to admit and accept the responsibility to change for the betterment of the entire society... because freedom with no freedom of movement is no freedom. Let us therefore all be FREE to be!

Nangamso M.