Promoting Women's Well-Being Through Socially Sustainable Urban Transport: A Developing Country Study

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate intersection of sustainable urban transport planning, gender perspectives, and their profound implications for women's well-being. Drawing from comprehensive literature reviews and employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the research investigates the complexities of women's mobility experiences and the design of transportation systems in the context of the city of Amman, Jordan. The objectives of the study encompass a nuanced examination of gender-conscious assessments within urban transport planning, emphasizing the non-neutral nature of transportation systems. By addressing the diverse travel patterns, responsibilities, and constraints faced by women, the research advocates for a departure from one-size-fits-all approaches. The study underscores the transformative potential of integrating women's voices, needs, and preferences in planning processes, paving the way for inclusive, equitable, and well-being-oriented urban transport systems. The AHP methodology involved surveying 38 stakeholders and decision-makers in Amman, Jordan, utilizing a structured questionnaire. The survey focused on key accessibility, safety, and livability indicators derived from stakeholder perceptions. These indicators, quantified through AHP, include factors such as the weighted annual adult transit pass cost, types of transport options available, safety concerns like air pollution emission and fatality rates, and various livability indicators encompassing citizen satisfaction, infrastructure investment, and mobility space usage. The findings reveal critical insights into the impact of gender on mobility patterns and preferences, unearthing gender disparities that necessitate urgent attention. The study's data, based on stakeholder perspectives, underscores the need for interventions that break down barriers and amplify opportunities, thus transforming transportation networks into enablers of women's empowerment and social participation. In conclusion, this research advocates for gender-sensitive sustainable urban transport planning as an imperative rather than an aspiration. By emphasizing stakeholder engagement, mitigating cultural biases in indicator selection, and strengthening data collection and management, the study lays the groundwork for transformative urban transport systems. Ultimately, this work positions cities that prioritize women at the center of their transport planning endeavors as pioneers in creating truly sustainable, inclusive, and transformative urban environments.