Segregation Sends Women To The Back Of The Bus

Certain bus lines in Israel have an informal but strict practice of gender segregation, forcing women to sit in the back of the bus. Many women have protested this separation system, which is mainly enforced by riders in orthodox neighborhoods.

1 minute read

April 26, 2007, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The separation system operates on 30 public bus routes across Israel."

"The authorities here say the arrangement is voluntary, but in practice, as I found out, there is not much choice involved. "

"Supporters of the separation system say the buses involved serve mainly religious Jewish neighbourhoods - but not exclusively."

"Many passengers are not happy. You will hear complaints at bus stops all over town."

"One man told me that if some people wanted segregation buses they should pay a private company to provide them."

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 in BBC

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