3. Promising Approaches for Mainstreaming Gender in Transport -- Gender and Transport Resource Guide

GENDER AND TRANSPORT RESOURCE GUIDE

Introduction

MODULE 1:
Why Gender and Transport?

MODULE 2:
Challenges for Mainstreaming Gender in Transport

MODULE 3:
Promising Approaches for Mainstreaming Gender in Transport

MODULE 4:
Gender and Rural Transport Initiative (GRTI)

MODULE 5:
Tools for Mainstreaming Gender in Transport

MODULE 6:
Resources for Mainstreaming Gender in Transport

Acknowledgements

Module 3: Promising Approaches for Mainstreaming Gender in Transport

3.5. Expanding Women's Access to Public Transport, Feeder Roads, Paths

Promoting Women's Access to Public Transport

Promoting women's access to public transport entails taking into account issues of cost, safety, and availability of services. Examples of approaches which have been taken include:

Transport routing, timing and frequency of services adapted to respond to women's needs
Women-only buses
Separate entrances or reserved seats
Providing space for transporting goods
Transport provided by companies for women workers
Security measures to reduce sexual harassment (both verbal and physical)
Road safety campaigns focusing on pedestrians and passengers

Public Transport Access Case Examples

MIDTRAN in South Africa contracted minibuses to provide transport to shift workers directly to their destinations, increasing safety and opportunitites for women workers.

Construction and Maintenance of Feeder Roads, Footbridges, Footpaths and Tracks

Lacking other modes of transport in rural areas, women are very reliant on the intricate web of feeder roads, foot bridges, foot paths and tracks for taking care of domestic chores and also for accessing health and administrative services. Attention to maintaining these essential components of the network, and providing employment opportunities whenever possible for their maintenance, are effetive ways of promoting gender mainstreaming.

Promotes family food security
Increases children's (particularly girls') access to schools
Facilitates marketing of agricultural produce
Improves emergency access to health services
Increases opportunities for social interaction

Small Roads, Paths and Tracks Case Examples

The Peru Rural Roads Project improved 3000 km. of non-motorized tracks mostly used by women and previously ignored in road upgrading programs.
In Zimbabwe, a Rural Travel and Transport Project funded by SIDA with technical assistance from ILO, provided construction and rehabilitation of paths, tracks and footbridges.