Across fiscal years 2019-2024, the World Bank financed 159 transport projects, with 94% incorporating activities to address gender disparities in the sector. These initiatives have reached 2.84 million beneficiaries, including 1.4 million women, and are expected to benefit over 21.2 million women globally.
In Assam, India, women's ferry ridership increased from 280,000 to 550,000 due to improved infrastructure and services. In Azerbaijan, policy changes removed up to 700 job restrictions for women in transport roles. Ecuador's Quito Metro Line enhanced safety for female passengers and increased women's workforce participation from zero to 50%. Senegal's Dakar Bus Rapid Transit project saw women's participation rise from 6% to 43%.
The World Bank identifies transportation as crucial for connecting people to opportunities but acknowledges existing systems often fail women due to high costs and safety concerns. Women's workforce participation could boost global GDP by nearly 20%, yet they represent only 12% of the global transport workforce.
The World Bank addresses these issues through a three-pillar approach: producing knowledge on gender gaps in transport; providing technical advice and capacity building; and promoting gender equality through lending and policy dialogue.
Achievements include supporting Azerbaijan’s Labor Code Reform which allowed more women into traditionally male-dominated roles such as train operators. The Quito Metro Line implemented measures against harassment, resulting in safer travel experiences for women. In Samoa and Tonga, driver education programs helped increase the number of female drivers.
Collaboration within the World Bank Group aims at addressing overlaps between their efforts while partnerships with international organizations help scale successful projects globally.
Looking forward, the World Bank plans further initiatives like improving girls' access to education via transportation projects in Pakistan and supporting childcare facilities within Egypt’s National Railways.
"Despite the severity of gender inequalities permeating the transport sector," a spokesperson noted that "progress is being made."