The Flone WTA Conference 2019 in collaboration with the World Resources Institute Africa, brought together delegates from 19 countries worldwide, including several African nations and others like Colombia, Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The conference aimed to address the pressing issues surrounding women’s access to and involvement in the public transportation sector across developing African cities.

One of the main focuses was on the evolving roles of women in African society, with more women taking on traditionally male jobs and leading households. Despite this progress, challenges persist, particularly regarding safe transportation options for women. The conference emphasized the importance of creating safe, healthy, and inclusive public transportation systems to facilitate the free movement of all individuals.

A key strategy discussed was the promotion of women’s participation in the transportation industry at all levels, including mechanics, conductors, drivers, owners, and managers. By supporting more women to pursue careers in transport, the conference argued that safer and more accessible transport systems could be achieved for everyone.

Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in skill-building, idea-sharing, and experiential learning sessions. The conference aimed to inspire innovative solutions to transport challenges faced by women and other vulnerable road users. Additionally, it sought to bridge the gap between research and policy initiatives related to urban planning, public safety, gender-based violence, and the real-world experiences of women currently working in the transportation sector. Overall, the conference underscored the need to increase the visibility of women in the male-dominated field of public transportation to create a more equitable and sustainable transport system for all.

Read and download the report HERE