Travelling in a Woman’s Shoes

Travelling in a Woman’s Shoes

Executive Summary

• Car Ownership and Usage:

  • Outside of Dublin, 81% of women own or have access to a car, with 95% considering it a necessity.
  • In Dublin, 66% of women own or have access to a car, with 79% considering it necessary.

• Designing Sustainable Transport:

  • Supporting women and their travel needs is crucial for transitioning to a carbon-neutral transport system.
  • Historically, transport has not been designed with women's needs in mind, highlighting the need for a more gender-sensitive approach.

• Key Drivers of Car Dependency:

  • Transport Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure can hinder the adoption of sustainable modes.
  • Caregiving Responsibilities: Significant caregiving duties often lead to higher reliance on cars.
  • Safety Concerns: Women may feel unsafe using certain modes of transport.
  • Equality of Access: Unequal access to quality services can contribute to car dependency.

• Policy Opportunities:

  • The study identifies several policy areas where improvements can be made to encourage the use of sustainable transport modes.
  • These include enhancing infrastructure, addressing safety concerns, and promoting equal access to services.

• Gender-Sensitive Design:

  • Designing transport systems that are user-friendly and safe for all genders is essential.
  • New ideas and a more gender-sensitive approach in policy and practice are needed to ensure widespread adoption of sustainable transport.

Key Statistics

• Women’s Reliance on Cars:

  • Outside of Dublin: 81% own or have access to a car, 95% consider it a necessity.
  • Dublin: 66% own or have access to a car, 79% consider it necessary.

• Sustainable Transport Adoption:

  • Encouraging women to use sustainable modes like walking, cycling, public transport, and carpooling can reduce car dependency and promote a more sustainable transport system.

Conclusion

• Call to Action:

  • There is a need for a collaborative effort among transport agencies, policymakers, and communities to promote sustainable transport options.
  • Addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by women in transportation is crucial for achieving broader sustainability goals.

• Future Policy and Decision Making:

  • The findings from this study can inform future policies and decisions, making sustainable transport options safer, more attractive, and more accessible to everyone.

• Opportunities for Change:

  • This study marks a significant step towards improving women's travel experiences in Ireland and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

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This summary provides a clear overview of the key findings and recommendations from the study, focusing on the importance of designing sustainable transport systems that cater to the specific needs of women.