Safe Space

The world has advanced significantly in ensuring equality in women’s and men’s legal rights to work, right at work, and access to economic resources. But despite the efforts, other significant barriers remain to women’s safety and perceived social status which plays a complex role in shaping their transport behavior as they move between urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Equitable access to public transport is about making the transport system work for women and meeting their need for safe, efficient, sustainable mobility. However, due to poor transport planning, women often do not have equal access to public transport, putting these resources out of reach and limiting financial autonomy. Furthermore, sexual harassment and violence in bus stops, stations, and vehicles remain persistent problems for cities around the world. When women continually feel unsafe and lack the ability to report incidents, public transport ceases to be an equitable and accessible form of mobility.

Through this program, we aim to train male partners on gender sensitization, including how to identify and address instances of gender-based violence. This will involve educating them on the importance of respecting women's rights and dignity, providing safe and comfortable transportation services, and preventing harassment or assault in their vehicles.

We also aim to work closely with local authorities and transportation providers to improve infrastructure and services that support women's mobility, such as well-lit and secure bus stops, designated women's sections on public transportation, and accessible routes for disabled women.

Ultimately, the program's success will be measured by the number of women who feel safe and empowered to use public transportation to access education, employment, and other opportunities that contribute to their social and economic well-being