Inclusive transport is foundational to creating thriving communities. However, the provision of transport that enables everyone to participate in socio-economic life remains unmet in many places, especially from the perspective of women’s experiences. As society increasingly tackles the pressing challenges of today to foster sustainable communities, it is critical to implement gender-responsive transport policy, planning and design to provide safe mobility environments for everyone.
Meeting this need will have a positive ripple effect; public transport and active travel are gateways to economic opportunity, health services and education. They are also key factors in transport decarbonization. To accelerate toward net zero, the transport sector has much to gain from considering transport decarbonization and gender equity as linked priorities.
Fostering transport that is inclusive and green requires systems thinking to integrate gender-responsive strategies into transport policy, planning and design. Systems thinking embraces the full context of journeys, with all the influential factors and the interrelationships that affect journey choices. A systems approach can effectively guide stakeholders in the transition to a zero-carbon future while simultaneously improving access, enhancing safety and promoting gender equality in transport.
