Surprising reform: These taxis are exclusively for women
A new taxi service in Finland, Wowo Club Oy, provides rides solely for women and children under 14, aiming to enhance safety and comfort for its users.
Wowo Club Oy, a new taxi company launched in Finland's capital region, is making waves by offering rides exclusively for women and children under 14 years old. The founders of the company, inspired by their own experiences of feeling unsafe while using traditional taxis, created this unique service to ensure a safer transportation option. They have already seen some initial orders for rides, which will be fulfilled during the current week, though specific figures regarding demand have not been disclosed yet.
The idea for the women-only service was developed over several years as the founders recognized that many women, including themselves, felt uncomfortable hailing taxis alone due to safety concerns. Katariina Kainulainen-D'Ambrosio, one of the co-founders, mentioned that they consulted the equality commissioner to ensure that establishing such a service would be permissible under Finnish law, underscoring their commitment to legality and inclusivity despite the specialized offerings.
Wowo Club Oy’s unique approach aims to provide a secure environment for its clientele, fostering a sense of community and support among women who use the service. As the service begins to operate, it presents a noteworthy addition to the transportation landscape in Finland, highlighting ongoing discussions about safety and inclusion in public services, particularly for women.