Why addressing gender equality is key to meeting our net-zero ambitions

Susan Leadbetter, Principal Consultant for Liveable Places | WSP

The public and private sectors face increasing pressure to meet ambitious net-zero carbon emissions targets. Transport and mobility lie at the heart of meeting these targets. For example, in the United Kingdom, domestic transport is the largest source of emissions at 28 per cent. Meanwhile, car ownership is set to triple to over two billion by 2025.  

To tackle this challenge, we need to change the way we travel. The UK’s Climate Change Committee highlights the importance of a “modal shift” - the transition from one mode of transport to another. They recommend a 70 per cent reduction in transport emissions for the most economically efficient path to net-zero, advocating that 9 per cent of car journeys should shift to walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, with all new car sales being electric vehicles by 2032.

While many discussions around mobility focus on technological advancements and infrastructure improvements, a crucial yet often overlooked factor is gender equality.

Embracing an intersectional approach

Addressing gender barriers in transport systems is vital for expanding mobility choices and fostering a shift toward sustainable travel. By enhancing access and improving both public safety and perceptions of safety, we can create inclusive spaces for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals. This, in turn, will drive demand for walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.

To effectively address gender equality, we must adopt an intersectional perspective. This means recognising how aspects of a person’s identity - such as gender, race, age, sexuality, ability and socio-economic status - affect their experiences in our transport networks and public spaces. By understanding these complexities, we can explore truly inclusive solutions that cater to everyone.

To achieve this aim, collaboration is required across sectors and between these industries and the public sector. Only by working together can we effectively enhance gender equality while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.

Gender barriers to sustainable mobility choices

Gender has a significant impact on mobility and travel behaviour, from how people move and how they are perceived by others to what they pay, where they go, and with whom they travel. These differences stem from gendered divisions in household care responsibilities, safety concerns and socio-economic conditions, which together create distinct travel patterns between women and men.

Safety concerns continue to be one of the most significant barriers preventing women from using public transport. In 2021, WSP research found that the fear of sexual harassment or assault was the top safety concern for women using public transport, with 92 per cent identifying it as their primary concern. Worryingly, the British Transport Police recently reported a 20 per cent rise in recorded violent crimes against women and girls on the transport network. While this statistic highlights the urgent need for action, it's important to recognise that this increase can partly be attributed to heightened awareness and a growing willingness to discuss and report these issues.

In recent years, campaigns and initiatives aimed at addressing violence against women and girls in transport have gained momentum, encouraging victims and bystanders to come forward. This shift in dialogue is crucial; it not only sheds light on existing problems but also emphasises the importance of implementing soft measures - such as raising awareness and fostering community engagement - alongside more tangible design improvements in our transport systems.

Despite women holding 49 per cent of driving licences in the UK, they are less likely than men to purchase EVs. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including marketing and design strategies that often overlook the preferences and needs of female drivers. Charging infrastructure also plays a significant role; many women express concerns about running out of charge while transporting children, and public charging points are often located in isolated, poorly lit areas, creating feelings of insecurity.

Safety is not only a concern with public transport and EV infrastructure. While walking, wheeling and cycling remain hugely important for reducing emissions, they also pose safety risks for women and gender-diverse individuals.

Data from Plan International suggests that 58 per cent of girls in major cities worldwide feel unsafe walking in their communities; data also reveals that women with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, often face additional challenges and higher levels of fear when navigating public spaces. In England, men take more cycling trips and cover longer distances than women. This disparity can be attributed to insufficient infrastructure; the perception of unsafe and poorly lit roads disincentivise cycling as a viable option for many women.  

Taking a holistic approach to gender and transport

Until recently, the challenges of gender, transport and decarbonisation have been viewed in isolation. However, recognising the interconnectedness of these issues is essential. With women comprising half of the UK’s population, it’s vital that their needs and preferences are not overlooked. By adopting a holistic approach, we can identify solutions that address multiple objectives simultaneously, enhancing long-term viability and driving meaningful change.

Collecting gender-related data and engaging women, girls and gender-diverse individuals throughout the planning, design and policymaking process is crucial for shaping effective policies and designs. The industry and decision-makers within and beyond should practice deep listening and empathy to understand and address diverse needs. When it comes to safer cycling, women have stated through various public engagements that they want more dedicated cycle lanes, better-lit parking areas to finish their journey, and more parking areas near their homes which are visible and overlooked.

However, training and upskilling transport professionals, designers and other stakeholders is essential. These individuals must understand gender and transport issues to effectively integrate them into policy, design and operations. This education and awareness are key to addressing these challenges promptly and effectively.

A greener, more inclusive future

The key to tackling gender inequality and reducing carbon emissions lies in how we approach infrastructure and transport projects from the outset. We must put people at the heart of design and acknowledge gender disparities, alongside other environmental factors, so we can create safer and accessible transport solutions for everyone.

Through industry collaboration, policy and education, accompanied by data-driven solutions, we can achieve a greener, safer and more equitable future for the UK’s transport network. By adopting an integrated approach that considers gender, ethnicity, sexuality and disability, we can create transport infrastructure that serves all members of our communities, bringing us closer to our net-zero goals while fostering safer spaces for everyone.

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