Technology at the disposal of experts to tackle harassment of women on transport in Sydney.
Sexual harassment of women is a very serious problem in many countries. Many women are at risk when walking on the street at night or when using public transport.
This problem has also concerned the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), which decided to test new “innovative data and technology ideas” to address sexual harassment of women on public transport in Greater Sydney (especially at night).
Following the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge, TfNSW has brainstormed ideas to be tested over the next six months, including artificial intelligence (AI) in CCTV to automate the detection of threatening behaviour, using datasets and algorithms. The aim is to promote safety.
"We want all customers to feel safe on the network and it's not good that 9 out of 10 women in Australia are experiencing harassment on the road and are changing their behaviour in response," said Transport Minister Andrew Constance.
“We are excited to partner with entrepreneurs and universities to implement innovative technology solutions to keep women safe.“.
TfNSW received 44 applications for the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge and the winners were selected by a panel of judges. The winners are the University of Wollongong, data sharing platformShe is a Crowd, Guardian LifeStream and Cardno/UNSW.
Constance said the winners showed they are able to “substantially address security” and have the ability to use creative and sophisticated new technologies that will make a difference.
We hope that these new technologies will help address the serious problem of harassment, although those responsible should also focus on punishing individuals who behave in this way.
