WOMEN IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT
1. Why gender equality in public transport is important Public transport plays an important role in the lives of women. But it remains maledominated, both in its design and in its employment. The expansion of public transport is vital to provide women with equal access to mobility. This will enable women to engage a wide range of their social and economic rights, including access to opportunities for work and for the use of public services. But public transport can only be genderresponsive if there are women employed in the industry and if women are involved in decision-making and policy about public transport. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the vision that we want for women in public transport. It looks at ways to build public transport systems that work for women as both workers and passengers, and to strengthen the role of women in public transport policy decision making and planning. The chapter puts forward policy demands developed by the ITF women transport workers’ committee. These demands are: 1.
Strengthen women’s employment and promote decent work in public transport #ThisIsOurWorldToo
2.
End violence against women transport workers
3.
Introduce technological change in a way that advances gender equality
4.
Involve women workers in public transport decision-making
women in public transport and suggesting practical strategies to address them. The chapter draws together work developed by ITF Women. It also includes case studies which demonstrate strong examples of union organising, supporting materials and ITF resources, and reference to international law and standards, where relevant. Each section also has a quick reference guide which sets out the key points and useful documents. Please note: all quotes in this chapter are from women workers, unless otherwise specified. 1.1 WOMEN IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT Women are an important part of the public transport workforce, globally working in a wide range of roles – as ticket sellers, cleaners, customer service agents and catering staff. In some countries, women are increasingly in operational roles as drivers, conductors and engineers. Women also work in the wider transport economy. As passengers, women also rely on public transport to fulfil their mobility needs – to visit family, take children to school and access public services and employment opportunities. But public transport is highly gendered. There are differences in the mobility needs and use of public transport between women and men. Inequality exists in access to transport jobs. And the needs and concerns of women are often not properly considered in decision-making.
The chapter looks at each policy demand in detail, highlighting the problems facing 5
