Call for more female cabbies

The number of female cab drivers remains low 90 years after women were first given the right to drive licensed taxis.

A traditionally male dominated profession, the government is now targeting cab driving and attempting to increase the number of female cab drivers in Britain.

Ministers are implementing a raft of new measures aimed at breaking down barriers to women's achievement in the workplace in a tempt to get rid of gender stereotyping.

A statement released to mark the 90th anniversary of women gaining the right to become licensed cab drivers claims that all young people will have the right to individual careers advice from April this year, which could boost the number of girls wanting to become cab drivers.

Deputy minister for women, Meg Munn said: "Our role is to help girls and women make meaningful and practical choices about how they live their lives and balance their responsibilities. That is why we have brought forward a whole raft of measures such as the right to request flexible working to support parents and carers in the various aspects of their lives."

A new women-only cab service has just opened in the Indian city of Mumbai. A play on the name of the famous carmaker, the new Forsche service hit the roads on International Women's Day and the new cabs feature bigger mirrors, makeup kits and magazine rack.

Created by Revathi Roy, the silver and white taxis are designed to make women travelling alone feel more secure by providing female drivers and a licensed service. Female-only taxi services have also started up in cities such as Dubai and Moscow.

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Date:23/03/2007 10:29:24