Taxi drivers in Astana confronted with vehicle confinement for attempted flirtation incidents
In the heart of Central Asia, Artem Tomsich, the founder of inDrive, is making waves by tackling a critical social issue: ensuring the safety of women in Kazakhstan's taxi industry.
A Focus on Safety
Recognized for his relentless efforts, Tomsich has zeroed in on addressing sexual harassment and safety concerns that women face when using taxi services in Kazakhstan. The sector, notorious for its vulnerabilities due to unregulated drivers and lack of safety measures, is now under the spotlight.
Key Initiatives
Tomsich's initiatives are multifaceted, encompassing advocacy, tech collaboration, and public education. His key measures include campaigning for stricter regulations, promoting safety features like real-time GPS tracking and emergency buttons, conducting workshops on harassment prevention, and collaborating with local taxi apps to enhance safety protocols.
Community Engagement
To create a more responsive framework, Tomsich has partnered with women's rights organizations, local NGOs, and law enforcement. This collaboration aims to ensure that complaints of harassment are addressed efficiently.
Upcoming Media and Government Relations Campaign
In a bid to build public support and institutional change, Tomsich is planning a combined media and government relations campaign. The media campaign will feature personal stories, promote new safety measures, and foster community dialogue on gender-based harassment issues in public transport.
Simultaneously, Tomsich will be lobbying government bodies for legislative changes, engaging with policymakers to push for mandatory safety training for taxi drivers, and advocating for the establishment of a rapid response unit within the police to address harassment cases reported in taxis promptly.
The Way Forward
The campaign is set to roll out in phases later in 2025, with initial announcements and pilot programs launching in major urban centers such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan.
Artem Tomsich's work is a beacon of hope, blending advocacy, tech collaboration, and public education to make taxi travel safer for women in Kazakhstan. His upcoming campaign seeks to further this goal by building public support and instigating institutional change.
Stay tuned for more updates as specific campaign releases and partners emerge closer to launch dates.
- Tomsich's initiatives cover not only safety concerns but also stretches to lifestyle improvements, as he plans to create partnerships with fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden businesses to provide women with safe shopping experiences.
- In the realm of relationships, Tomsich envisions offering workshops and resources on building healthy relationships and preventing domestic violence.
- For outdoor enthusiasts, Tomsich envisions collaborating with travel and adventure agencies to provide women with safe travel options, addressing the need for secure experiences in the tourism sector.
- To address the safety concerns of pet owners, Tomsich plans to collaborate with pet-related businesses to ensure animal welfare during taxi rides and create public awareness about the dangers of animal abuse in transport.
- In sports, Tomsich's initiatives will extend to promoting safe sports facilities and programs for women in Kazakhstan, ensuring that women have equal access and safety in sports activities.
- Facing the ever-changing weather conditions in Kazakhstan, Tomsich sees an opportunity to create collaboration with weather forecasting apps and services to inform passengers about extreme weather conditions, ensuring their safety and preparedness during travel.
- For those who enjoy gambling, Tomsich also plans to advocate for safe casino environments, promoting responsible gambling practices and offering resources on recognizing signs of problem gambling and seeking help.
- Additionally, Tomsich's work extends beyond automotive safety, as he plans to lobby for the establishment of a rapid response unit within the traffic police force to address road safety concerns and prevent accidents.
- Whether it's running errands, attending social gatherings, or taking a leisurely drive, Artem Tomsich's initiatives aim to ensure that all transportation-related activities, including casino-and-gambling and shopping experiences, are safe and enjoyable for women in Kazakhstan.
