Advances in Transport Policy and Planning - Chapter Two: Gender gaps in urban mobility and transport planning

Though we have ample amount of research evidence to prove that women's needs, usage and preferences for urban transport systems differ from men, we lack a clear understanding on the different variables involved in this equation and further, how these variables affect each other and are evolving with time. Simplistic assertions can be carved out in debates surrounding private car vs public transport use, but the ways in which current transport systems enable or disable women are complex, multi-faceted and context specific. It is also debatable if the current format of the ICT-enabled “smart” mobilities can address gendered needs. This paper presents main findings emerging from a literature review on the topic and highlights important gaps existing in the current framings of urban and transport planning, both from the perspectives of research and practice. Examples are drawn from both Global North and Global South.