South Australian radio host Ali Clarke was enjoying an evening at SkyCity in Adelaide to mark International Women’s Day when an unfortunate incident marred the celebration. Instead of concluding on a positive note, Clarke took to social media to share her distress with her followers, stating, “What has just happened has been horrible.”
The Mix102.3 FM breakfast show presenter, a mother of three, recounted a troubling encounter with a taxi driver. She claimed that he refused to take her home, saying the journey was too short, and allegedly made a series of offensive comments that escalated until she exited the vehicle. Clarke expressed how vulnerable she felt in that moment, sharing with 9News, “I’ve never felt more vulnerable in my life.”
She described the driver’s remarks as deeply derogative and reflective of a troubling lack of respect for women. Although Clarke clarified that she was not condemning all taxi drivers, she noted an overwhelming response from women who related similar experiences of harassment and disrespect. “This is about all of us demanding better from the people around us,” she urged.
Clarke emphasised the importance of safety, stating, “We deserve to feel safe, and we deserve to be able to get home safely.” Following her report, the taxi service 13cabs indicated that they are reviewing the driver’s actions and have initiated an investigation into the incident. John Trainer of Taxi Council SA remarked that while most taxi drivers are dedicated professionals, there are a minority whose conduct falls short of industry standards.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about women’s safety and the treatment they receive in public spaces, especially in the context of transport services. Clarke’s story underscores the urgent need for action and awareness regarding respect and safety for women in all aspects of society.