In a recent session led by Alana Dave, Director of Urban Transport at the International Transport Forum (ITF), the focus was on the lived experiences of women frontline workers in the public transport sector. Drawing from the Remarkable Women Who Move the World project, a collaboration with TUMI’s Women Mobilise Women, the discussion highlighted how women across the globe are not just participating in transport, but are actively redefining the sector despite the many barriers they face.
The central theme of this discussion was remarkable. As Dave emphasized, these women are not passive victims of their circumstances—they are, instead, agents of change. In countries like Brazil, Uganda, India, and Indonesia, women are finding ways to break through the challenges of a male-dominated sector. They are not just showing up to work, but are challenging the norms, raising their voices, and creating spaces for transformation.
The Resilience and Strength of Women in Transport
A key message that emerged from these women’s stories is their unwavering commitment to their work, despite the adversity they face. One woman captured this sentiment perfectly: “As long as the railway continues to exist, women will be a part of it. And as long as there are obstacles, our fight will continue. We will fight as long as there are issues.” This fight is not just for their own rights but for a more inclusive and equitable transport sector that can benefit all.
The transport sector, as we know it, was largely designed with men in mind. Women workers often face basic challenges like inadequate facilities, such as washrooms and sanitation that don’t meet their needs. This issue is not just a matter of comfort; it has significant health and safety implications. One woman recounted how during a heatwave in India, women workers were faced with the difficult decision of whether to drink water or risk dehydration—an example of how workplaces are not designed with women’s specific needs in mind. “To drink water or not becomes a dilemma. It is not a dignified way of working at any workplace, our workplace isn’t designed with women in mind. This sector was designed for men. But women work everywhere today” one woman said.
This lack of consideration for women’s needs is not just a minor inconvenience but a major barrier to their participation and success in the sector. The absence of women in decision-making roles only exacerbates this issue. As another woman pointed out, “Our basic needs are not met because women are not in decision-making positions. It’s all men.” The lack of female representation in leadership means that the policies and structures that could support women workers are often overlooked.
Empowering Women by Changing the System
Despite these challenges, women in the transport sector are finding strength in solidarity and collective action. They are recognizing their role as essential contributors to public transport and are proud of their work. In Uganda, a woman shared, “I have got a lot from boda boda riding. It has helped me pay school fees, to look after my well-being and my child.” This highlights not just the economic independence women gain from working in transport, but also the pride and empowerment that come with being part of a vital public service.
However, while women are increasingly finding opportunities within the sector, they are still confronted with a contradictory reality. As much as the sector offers opportunities for financial stability and empowerment, many doors remain closed to them, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles. This contradiction creates a tension in their work: “We take great pride and enjoyment in helping others. But there is also fear. There’s both joy and despair, both are aspects of this role.”
Unlocking and Locking Opportunities: A Complex Dynamic
The experiences shared by women in the transport sector reveal a complex dynamic: opportunities are both unlocked and locked simultaneously. This raises important questions for the future of gender equality in transport: Is it enough to open some doors within the existing male-dominated structure, or is a more transformative approach needed to change the entire culture, power structures, and norms of the sector?
Women frontline workers have a clear understanding of the relationship between these barriers and the lack of decision-making power. One woman aptly stated, “Some men still don’t trust my work, and will doubt my word, and so will look for a man to confirm what I just said is correct.” This highlights the deeply ingrained gender biases that continue to hinder women’s full participation in the sector.
A Call for Action: Support and Transformation
While many of these women have demonstrated remarkable resilience, the time has come to address the structural challenges that still limit their full potential. In their own words, the call for change is clear:
“My message to women wanting to work in the sector is not to be afraid. But I would also advise the government to pay attention to our welfare, our safety, and also our health.” — Indonesia
“I’m proud to wear this uniform. I’m proud to say to anyone that I’m a mechanic, driver, collector. This whole landscape is a testament to our strength.” — Brazil
These powerful statements underscore the importance of creating an environment that not only supports women’s work in transport but also acknowledges their strength and potential to drive change.
Moving Forward: Creating Real Change
The stories of these remarkable women raise vital questions about the future of gender equality in transport. As we reflect on their experiences and the initiatives that have been implemented to address these challenges, we must ask ourselves: What more can be done to ensure that the transport sector is truly inclusive? Is it enough to provide incremental improvements, or do we need to completely overhaul the system to better support women in transport?
Ultimately, it is clear that the fight for gender equality in transport is far from over. However, as the stories of these women show, the future is full of possibilities—possibilities that can be unlocked when women are given the opportunity to lead, to change the system, and to help shape a more inclusive transport sector for all.