Gendered Dimensions of Transport and Women's Social Exclusion in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

Year 2023, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 98 - 112, 31.12.2023

Bassirou Bande , Hülagü Kaplan

https://doi.org/10.29137/umagd.1334337

Abstract

This paper explores the gendered dimensions of transport in Abidjan and how transport dynamics influence women's out-of-home activity participation, leading to their social exclusion. By using a gender-sensitive analysis approach, the research revealed that Abidjan City's transportation system is inadvertently gendered and excludes vulnerable people and women. The findings highlighted transport availability, affordability and reliability as key factors impacting women's opportunities and out-of-home activity participation. And revealed that women's mobility, safety, economic and social well-being are significantly affected.

The research recommends targeted interventions to bridge the gender gap; and particularly to improve women's mobility through safe, reliable and affordable public transport. Gender-sensitive transport planning and policies can be adopted by urban planners and policymakers to promote women's empowerment, social inclusion and safety in Abidjan and surrounding metropolitan areas. These proposals contribute to equitable access to transport services for all citizens specifically women, which is essential for the city's social and economic development. The research addresses therefore a significant gap in transport-related social exclusion studies on African cities, by offering insights to improve transportation planning and policy in similar urban contexts.

Keywords

Social Exclusion, Transport, Gender, Abidjan, Women, Activity Participation

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