{"id":3640,"date":"2025-04-26T08:15:27","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T08:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/?p=3640"},"modified":"2025-12-18T17:02:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T17:02:03","slug":"ban-xang-cho-phu-nu-la-mot-toi-ac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/ban-xang-cho-phu-nu-la-mot-toi-ac\/","title":{"rendered":"[\u201cSELLING GASOLINE FOR WOMEN IS A CRIME\u201d?]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d7393c173b555be285eae5ce0f0313d3 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);\">In South Korea, the term \u201cKim Yeo-sa,\u201d also known as \u201cMadam Kim,\u201d is often used to refer to women participating in traffic\u2014particularly female drivers\u2014as a way of implying that their driving skills are inferior or slower than those of men.\nSimilarly, in Vietnam, a common joking remark when seeing women driving is \u201cDon\u2019t let women take the wheel.\u201d Why is it that women encounter so many stereotypes and barriers in what should be considered an entirely ordinary activity?<br><br>\u201cSelling gasoline to women is a crime!\u201d\nThis is just one of countless so-called \u201cjokes\u201d aimed at women when they take part in driving or operating vehicles. Unintentionally, such remarks create and reinforce barriers of prejudice regarding women\u2019s driving abilities. <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0cae228e948b08e1f8588035e1e8f451 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);\">In social perceptions, women are often associated with traits such as meticulousness, carefulness, and dexterity in their work.\nHowever, alongside this view, a significant number of people believe that women lack the skills and reflexes necessary to confidently take control of the wheel. Even for female drivers working in the transportation sector\u2014where high levels of concentration and rapid situational response are essential\u2014such stereotypes have become deeply entrenched doubts. <sup>1<\/sup>Ms. Lee Yeon Ji, founder of the Unnie Car program and a female driver passionate about speed in South Korea, shared:\n\u201cPeople I meet on the road or at repair shops tend to assume at first that I\u2019m not a good driver and that I lack knowledge about cars simply because I\u2019m a woman. And when they realize that I actually know these things well, they say, \u2018You\u2019re a woman, yet you\u2019re so good.\u2019\u201d<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bf03fc057a5af75f78a7e432c4209505 wp-block-paragraph\">So what about everyday traffic situations?<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48e396a89f63878d034a370018c82e26 wp-block-paragraph\">A minor difficulty in parking, or a slightly delayed reaction to unexpected traffic situations, is often enough for women to be labeled as poor drivers.\nWhile it cannot be denied that driving competence and vehicle-handling skills do play a role, the majority of such judgments stem from an excessive tendency to stereotype women. In certain cases, these incidents are even unnecessarily exaggerated. For example, traffic accidents involving women often receive disproportionate attention, despite the fact that women statistically cause fewer traffic accidents than men.&nbsp; <sup>2<\/sup>According to Injury Prevention\u2014a reputable public health journal based in the United Kingdom\u2014men driving cars and trucks are twice as likely as women to be involved in serious traffic accidents.\nFor cargo trucks, the ratio between male and female drivers is 4:1. Most strikingly, in the case of motorcycles, male riders are ten times more likely than female riders to cause serious accidents.\n\nThe way the media approaches such incidents also raises significant concerns. Sensational headlines such as \u201cFemale driver causes accident\u2026\u201d\u2014or even \u201cFemale street racer\u201d\u2014are often accompanied by exaggerated narratives and graphic behind-the-scenes images. Meanwhile, similar traffic accidents caused by men are typically reported in much more neutral terms, often reduced to the generic phrase \u201cthe driver\u2026\u201d.\n\nMore troubling is the fact that much of the public discourse surrounding women driving focuses disproportionately on gender-based explanations, rather than on careful analysis of the actual circumstances and facts of each incident.&nbsp;<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3275c3a88dd9101a2d6d1ccf82fed331 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);\"><strong>WHEN PREJUDICE BECOMES A HINDRANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5144317ada752cfa301dd11747fbf760 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);\">Initially, the controversy around women driving might seem understandable. However, beneath the surface, these invisible barriers have both direct and indirect effects on women's participation in traffic.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a9d62c15749a15297e50e20cac9bc3e0 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);\">The first \"hit\" from these prejudices is on women\u2019s mentality when driving. Many women may feel a lack of confidence or uncertainty about their abilities. On a larger scale, it may have an impact on job opportunities for female drivers. Looking at recruiting information from some transportation companies, it is rare to see images of female drivers with specialized vehicles like container trucks or semi-trailers. Even in businesses linked to e-commerce platforms or retail locations, the number of female drivers is not high, though the job in those places seems more accessible. In the long run, questioning women\u2019s safety as drivers further delays progress in gender equality. This largely stems from a rigid perspective that resists re-evaluating and adapting to reality fairly and objectively.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dc4b6a1f50c4bf07fa8ec36368e85ee3 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);\"><strong>FIRMLY GRIPPING THE WHEEL - ON THE ROAD AND IN LIFE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f741cb0eceb532548d4f61e59896239 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);\">Despite prejudices that claim women are incapable in the transportation sector, there are women who have proven their resilience, courage, and skill. Ng\u00f4 H\u1ea1nh has been a container truck driver for seven years. Before committing to this profession, she faced strong opposition from her family and loved ones. Similarly, Ph\u1ea1m Th\u1ecb Thu Th\u1ea3o, a train driver on Metro Line 1, Ho Chi Minh City, had a stable job before making an unexpected career shift: becoming the only female train driver on this metro line. She shared: \"At first, everyone said this job was for men, but I believe that\u2019s not true, because as long as you have passion and love for that job, you can do it well no matter what your gender is.\"<sup>3<\/sup><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"487\" data-id=\"3641\" src=\"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/base64-1734490055766427027016.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/base64-1734490055766427027016.webp 730w, https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/base64-1734490055766427027016-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/base64-1734490055766427027016-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>(Ph\u1ea1m Th\u1ecb Thu Th\u1ea3o - the first female train driver of Metro s\u1ed1 1, HCM City - Image: CH\u00c2U T\u1ea4N)<\/em><sup>4<\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2532a86a60cc60265c463a884b173c9e wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);\"><br>From these stories, it is clear that gender-based prejudices in the transportation industry are baseless and overly generalized. Women totally have abilities and bravery to sit behind the wheel, participate in traffic safely, and handle jobs that demand precision and responsibility. We need media campaigns as well as practical initiatives just like the way we have done for women in other fields for many years. Together with this are comprehensive, professional, and hands-on training programs, which should be developed to create learning environments and career opportunities for women who are passionate about this field. Most importantly, we must have an open and fair perspective when evaluating an individual's abilities rather than solely judging by gender. <strong><em>After all, safety is not determined by gender but by skills and experience. Regardless of age or gender, everyone needs time to master the wheel, both on the road and in life.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75a04f67e7896ddee81a3e7deb71bb70 wp-block-paragraph\"><br><em>Reference materials:<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.koreatimes.co.kr\/lifestyle\/people-events\/20230217\/interview-unnie-car-founder-helps-women-break-gender-bias-on-roads\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.koreatimes.co.kr\/lifestyle\/people-events\/20230217\/interview-unnie-car-founder-helps-women-break-gender-bias-on-roads\"><sup>1<\/sup>According to The Korea Times, 17\/02\/2023<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1f44866c1a36bd44af820cda8a3e6704 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/injuryprevention.bmj.com\/content\/injuryprev\/27\/1\/71.full.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/injuryprevention.bmj.com\/content\/injuryprev\/27\/1\/71.full.pdf\"><sup>2<\/sup>According to Injury Invention<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66388220cfcb9970fdd791e262592b91 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tuoitre.vn\/dan-mang-tranh-cai-mo-xe-vi-sao-tai-nu-di-thi-lai-tot-nhung-ra-duong-lai-kem-20241112133032268.htm\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/tuoitre.vn\/dan-mang-tranh-cai-mo-xe-vi-sao-tai-nu-di-thi-lai-tot-nhung-ra-duong-lai-kem-20241112133032268.htm\"><sup>3<\/sup>According to B\u00e1o Tu\u1ed5i tr\u1ebb Online, 12\/11\/2024<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e8c7bae86939c156612c86d95b497487 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tuoitre.vn\/nhin-thanh-pho-tu-buong-lai-cam-nhan-dac-biet-cua-nu-lai-tau-metro-20241218094715855.htm\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/tuoitre.vn\/nhin-thanh-pho-tu-buong-lai-cam-nhan-dac-biet-cua-nu-lai-tau-metro-20241218094715855.htm\"><sup>4<\/sup>According to B\u00e1o Tu\u1ed5i tr\u1ebb Online, 18\/12\/2024<\/a><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5594fb286aa9d62e74ef715eb703a906 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Author: Nguyen Thu Trang<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7a8c71067a6a8f076d5958666b4fc5b3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Translators: Bui Ngoc Linh, Nguyen Thanh Hai<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u1ede H\u00e0n Qu\u1ed1c, thu\u1eadt ng\u1eef \u201cKim Yeo-sa\u201d hay Madam Kim th\u01b0\u1eddng \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c d\u00f9ng \u0111\u1ec3 ch\u1ec9 nh\u1eefng ng\u01b0\u1eddi ph\u1ee5 n\u1eef khi tham gia giao th\u00f4ng, th\u1eadm ch\u00ed l\u00e0 c\u00e1c n\u1eef t\u00e0i x\u1ebf nh\u1eb1m \u00e1m ch\u1ec9 k\u1ef9 n\u0103ng l\u00e1i xe c\u1ee7a h\u1ecd y\u1ebfu k\u00e9m v\u00e0 ch\u1eadm ch\u1ea1p h\u01a1n nam gi\u1edbi. T\u01b0\u01a1ng t\u1ef1, t\u1ea1i Vi\u1ec7t Nam, c\u00e2u \u0111\u00f9a [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[69,71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3640","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-women-culture-vfsa","category-women-culture-vfsa-vi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3640"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3640\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4587,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3640\/revisions\/4587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3640"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vnsfemaleassociation.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}