These fundamental questions, posed by Susanna Zammatro, Director General of the International Road Federation (IRF), took centre stage at the Women and Gender in Transportation TRB Standing Committee Meeting 2024. Held during the 103rd TRB Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on 7-11 January 2024, Zammatro’s inquiries sparked a compelling dialogue on gender issues in transportation within Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Gender differences in road use and safety in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) can be significant, and addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting equitable and safe transportation for all. During her intervention, Ms Zammatro peeled back the layers of gender disparities prevalent in LMICs, shedding light on key factors jeopardizing the safety of women:

• Travel Patterns: It exists a substantial difference on the travel patterns between men and women. Women typically engage in shorter, interconnected trips, leading to a reliance on public transportation, walking, or non-motorised vehicles. This reliance on non-motorised modes is influenced by limited access to motorised transportation, which, in turn, exposes them to safety risks—especially in areas lacking proper lighting or security.

• Vulnerability to Violence: Women face heightened risks of violence, harassment, or assault during journeys, particularly in poorly lit areas, or places with unreliable public transportation.

• Occupational Safety: In some LMICs, women engaging in informal and vulnerable employment sectors, such as street vending or long-distance walking for work, experience increased exposure to road-related hazards.

• Barriers to Transportation: Cultural norms and societal expectations limiting women’s mobility further hinder access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities due to safety concerns.

Addressing Gender-Based Safety and Security Concerns in Road Transport

“Gender-based security concerns in road transport requires a holistic and collaborative approach involving policymakers, urban planners, community organisations, and the public” emphasised Ms Zammataro.

Some of Zammataro’s specific suggestions to tackling these issues included: enhancing infrastructure through improved lighting and secure public spaces; raising awareness through campaigns; involving communities in identifying and addressing safety issues; advocating for gender-sensitive policies; collecting data for evidence-based decision-making; providing training on gender-sensitive approaches, and exploring technology solutions such as mobile apps and evidence-based decision-making tools (e.g. SHE-CAN in Africa).

A persistent gap remains in recognising the specific needs of female travelers. Improving data collection practices becomes crucial in transforming legislation, education, infrastructure design and management. By fostering safer and more inclusive transportation systems, we can contribute significantly to the overall well-being and empowerment of women in LMICs.