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Gendered Dimensions of Transport and Women's Social Exclusion in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

Year 2023, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 98 - 112, 31.12.2023
https://doi.org/10.29137/umagd.1334337

Abstract

This paper explores the gendered dimensions of transport in Abidjan and how transport dynamics influence women's out-of-home activity participation, leading to their social exclusion. By using a gender-sensitive analysis approach, the research revealed that Abidjan City's transportation system is inadvertently gendered and excludes vulnerable people and women. The findings highlighted transport availability, affordability and reliability as key factors impacting women's opportunities and out-of-home activity participation. And revealed that women's mobility, safety, economic and social well-being are significantly affected.

The research recommends targeted interventions to bridge the gender gap; and particularly to improve women's mobility through safe, reliable and affordable public transport. Gender-sensitive transport planning and policies can be adopted by urban planners and policymakers to promote women's empowerment, social inclusion and safety in Abidjan and surrounding metropolitan areas. These proposals contribute to equitable access to transport services for all citizens specifically women, which is essential for the city's social and economic development. The research addresses therefore a significant gap in transport-related social exclusion studies on African cities, by offering insights to improve transportation planning and policy in similar urban contexts.

References

  • Adeel, M. & Yeh, A. G. O. (2018) Gendered immobility: influence of social roles and local context on mobility decisions in Pakistan, Transportation Planning and Technology, 41:6, 660-678, Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/03081060.2018.1488932
  • Banister, D. (2005). Unsustainable Transport: City Transport in the New Century (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203003886
  • Berrou, J.-P., Darbon, D. Bouquet, C. Bekelynck, A. Clement, M. Combarnous F. & Rougier E. (2017), “Le réveil des classes moyennes ivoiriennes ? Identification, caractérisation et implications pour les politiques publiques ”, Papiers de recherche AFD, n° 2018-71, Juillet. https://doi.org/10.3917/afd.berro.2018.01
  • Bhandari, P. (2022). A Guide to Ethical Considerations in Research. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/research-ethics/
  • Cass, N., Shove, E., & Urry, J. (2005). Social exclusion, mobility and access. The sociological review, 53(3), 539-555.
  • Cazemier, M. (2022). New Needs, New Methods: A Review of Sustainable Transport and Mobility Planning in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Master thesis, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.
  • Chamseddine, Z. and Ait Boubkr, A. (2021). Understanding Gender, Income and Travel Behavior in Casablanca City – Morocco. The Open Transportation Journal, 15(1), pp.272–279. Doi https://doi.org/10.2174/1874447802115010272
  • Church, Andrew & Frost, Martin & Sullivan, Karen. (2000). Transport and social exclusion in London. Transport Policy. 7. 195-205. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0967-070X(00)00024-X
  • Currie, G. (2004) Gap Analysis of Public Transport Needs: Measuring Spatial Distribution of Public Transport Needs and Identifying Gaps in the Quality of Public Transport Provision. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1895, 137-146.
  • Currie, G., & Delbosc, A. (2010). Modelling the social and psychological impacts of transport disadvantage. Transportation, Vol. 37, (6), pp. 953-966.
  • Currie, G., Richardson, T., Smyth, P., Vella-Brodrick, D., Hine, J., Lucas, K., Stanley, J., Morris, J., Kinnear, R., & Stanley, J. (2010). Investigating links between transport disadvantage, social exclusion and well-being in Melbourne–Updated results. Research in transportation economics, 29(1), 287-295.
  • Das, S. and Kotikula, A. (2019). Gender-based Employment Segregation: Understanding Causes and Policy Interventions.
  • Doherty, J. (2021). Mobilizing social reproduction: Gendered mobility and everyday infrastructure in Abidjan. 758–774, . Doi https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2021.1944288
  • Doumbia, M., Kouassi, A. A., Silué, S., Yoboué, V., Liousse, C., Diedhiou, A., … Kouadio, K. (2021). Road Traffic Emission Inventory in an Urban Zone of West Africa: Case of Yopougon City (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). Energies, 14(4), 1111. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14041111
  • Gliem, J. & Gliem, R. (2003). Calculating, Interpreting, And Reporting Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability Coefficient For Likert-Type Scales. 2003 Midwest Research to Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing, and Community Education.
  • Goel, R., Oyebode, O., Foley, L., Tatah, L., Millett, C. & Woodcock, J. (2022). Gender differences in active travel in major cities across the world. Transportation. Doi https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-021-10259-4
  • Gupta, M., Bandyopadhyay, S., Mahapatro, M. & Jha, S. (2018). PROTOCOL: The effects of road infrastructure, and transport and logistics services interventions on women's participation in informal and formal labor markets in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 14(1), 1–57. Doi https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.200
  • Hanson, S. (2010) Gender and mobility: new approaches for informing sustainability, Gender, Place & Culture, 17:1, 5-23, https://doi.org/10.1080/09663690903498225
  • Hanson, S., & Johnston, I. (1985). Gender differences in work-trip length: explanations and implications. Urban Geography, 6(3), 193-219.
  • Hine, J. & Mitchell, F. (2001). The Role of Transport in Social Exclusion in Urban Scotland. Social Research in Transport (SORT) Clearinghouse. http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/1895-18
  • Johnstone, L., & Ratanavaraha, V. (2020). Public transport initiatives in West Africa, a case study of Abidjan. GEOMATE Journal, 19(72), 197-204.
  • Kenyon, S., Lyons, G., & Rafferty, J. (2002). Transport and social exclusion: investigating the possibility of promoting inclusion through virtual mobility. Journal of Transport Geography, 10(3), 207-219. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6923(02)00012-1
  • Kowalczyk, D. (2019). Research Methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative & Mixed Method - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. [online] Study.com. Available at: https://study.com/academy/lesson/research-methodologies-quantitative-qualitative-mixed-method.html
  • Lucas, K. (2012). Transport and social exclusion: Where are we now? Transport Policy, 20, 105–113.
  • Lucas, K. (2019). A new evolution for transport-related social exclusion research? Journal of transport geography, 81, 102529.
  • Lucas, K. (Ed.). (2004). Running on empty: Transport, social exclusion and environmental justice (1st ed.). Bristol University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1t89876
  • Martínez-Mesa, J. (2016). Sampling: How to select participants in my research study? Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, [online] 91(3), pp.326–330. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20165254
  • Morisset, J. (2019). The challenge of urban mobility in Abidjan. World Bank. Retrieved 16 June from https://blogs.worldbank.org/nasikiliza/the-challenge-of-urban-mobility-in-abidjan
  • Ramiaramanana, F. N., Lam, K., & Martinez, L. (2021). Policy making and political implications and contradictions in changing urban environment-Housing and public transport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. “African cities in 2030: multidisciplinary research to meet health, demographic, economic and political challenges” Bordeaux Summer School!
  • Singhai, A. & Singhai, K. (2021). Gender, Inclusive Transport, and Sustainable Development Goals: A Legal Perspective to Transport Policies.
  • World Bank. (2019a). Côte d’Ivoire Eighth Economic Update: Key Messages. Retrieved July 7, 2023, from World Bank website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cotedivoire/publication/cote-divoire-eighth-economic-update-key-messages
  • World Bank. (2019b). Que la Route Soit Bonne : Améliorer la Mobilité Urbaine à Abidjan (French). Washington, D.C. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/624341549322162402/Que-la-Route-Soit-Bonne-Améliorer-la-Mobilité-Urbaine-à-Abidjan
  • Wright, T. (2016). Gender and Sexuality in Male-Dominated Occupations: Women Working in Construction and Transport. . Doi https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-50136-3
  • Zhen, S. (2021). Rethinking public transportation for women’s safety and security, BLOGS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, TRANSPORT AND HEALTH. https://sustainablemobility.iclei.org/rethinking-public-transportation-for-womens-safety-and-security/
  • Zhen, S. (2021). Rethinking public transportation for women's safety and security. [online] ICLEI Sustainable Mobility. Available at: https://sustainablemobility.iclei.org/rethinking-public-transportation-for-womens-safety-and-security/.
  • Yeh, A. G. O. & Chow, M. H. (1996) An integrated GIS and location-allocation approach to public facilities planning—An example of open space planning, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, Volume 20, Issues 4–5, Pages 339-350, ISSN 0198-9715, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0198-9715(97)00010-0

Gendered Dimensions of Transport and Women's Social Exclusion in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

Year 2023, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 98 - 112, 31.12.2023
https://doi.org/10.29137/umagd.1334337

Abstract

This paper explores the gendered dimensions of transport in Abidjan and how transport dynamics influence women's out-of-home activity participation, leading to their social exclusion. By using a gender-sensitive analysis approach, the research revealed that Abidjan City's transportation system is inadvertently gendered and excludes vulnerable people and women. The findings highlighted transport availability, affordability and reliability as key factors impacting women's opportunities and out-of-home activity participation. And revealed that women's mobility, safety, economic and social well-being are significantly affected.

The research recommends targeted interventions to bridge the gender gap; and particularly to improve women's mobility through safe, reliable and affordable public transport. Gender-sensitive transport planning and policies can be adopted by urban planners and policymakers to promote women's empowerment, social inclusion and safety in Abidjan and surrounding metropolitan areas. These proposals contribute to equitable access to transport services for all citizens specifically women, which is essential for the city's social and economic development. The research addresses therefore a significant gap in transport-related social exclusion studies on African cities, by offering insights to improve transportation planning and policy in similar urban contexts.

References

  • Adeel, M. & Yeh, A. G. O. (2018) Gendered immobility: influence of social roles and local context on mobility decisions in Pakistan, Transportation Planning and Technology, 41:6, 660-678, Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/03081060.2018.1488932
  • Banister, D. (2005). Unsustainable Transport: City Transport in the New Century (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203003886
  • Berrou, J.-P., Darbon, D. Bouquet, C. Bekelynck, A. Clement, M. Combarnous F. & Rougier E. (2017), “Le réveil des classes moyennes ivoiriennes ? Identification, caractérisation et implications pour les politiques publiques ”, Papiers de recherche AFD, n° 2018-71, Juillet. https://doi.org/10.3917/afd.berro.2018.01
  • Bhandari, P. (2022). A Guide to Ethical Considerations in Research. [online] Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/research-ethics/
  • Cass, N., Shove, E., & Urry, J. (2005). Social exclusion, mobility and access. The sociological review, 53(3), 539-555.
  • Cazemier, M. (2022). New Needs, New Methods: A Review of Sustainable Transport and Mobility Planning in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Master thesis, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.
  • Chamseddine, Z. and Ait Boubkr, A. (2021). Understanding Gender, Income and Travel Behavior in Casablanca City – Morocco. The Open Transportation Journal, 15(1), pp.272–279. Doi https://doi.org/10.2174/1874447802115010272
  • Church, Andrew & Frost, Martin & Sullivan, Karen. (2000). Transport and social exclusion in London. Transport Policy. 7. 195-205. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0967-070X(00)00024-X
  • Currie, G. (2004) Gap Analysis of Public Transport Needs: Measuring Spatial Distribution of Public Transport Needs and Identifying Gaps in the Quality of Public Transport Provision. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1895, 137-146.
  • Currie, G., & Delbosc, A. (2010). Modelling the social and psychological impacts of transport disadvantage. Transportation, Vol. 37, (6), pp. 953-966.
  • Currie, G., Richardson, T., Smyth, P., Vella-Brodrick, D., Hine, J., Lucas, K., Stanley, J., Morris, J., Kinnear, R., & Stanley, J. (2010). Investigating links between transport disadvantage, social exclusion and well-being in Melbourne–Updated results. Research in transportation economics, 29(1), 287-295.
  • Das, S. and Kotikula, A. (2019). Gender-based Employment Segregation: Understanding Causes and Policy Interventions.
  • Doherty, J. (2021). Mobilizing social reproduction: Gendered mobility and everyday infrastructure in Abidjan. 758–774, . Doi https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2021.1944288
  • Doumbia, M., Kouassi, A. A., Silué, S., Yoboué, V., Liousse, C., Diedhiou, A., … Kouadio, K. (2021). Road Traffic Emission Inventory in an Urban Zone of West Africa: Case of Yopougon City (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). Energies, 14(4), 1111. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14041111
  • Gliem, J. & Gliem, R. (2003). Calculating, Interpreting, And Reporting Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability Coefficient For Likert-Type Scales. 2003 Midwest Research to Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing, and Community Education.
  • Goel, R., Oyebode, O., Foley, L., Tatah, L., Millett, C. & Woodcock, J. (2022). Gender differences in active travel in major cities across the world. Transportation. Doi https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-021-10259-4
  • Gupta, M., Bandyopadhyay, S., Mahapatro, M. & Jha, S. (2018). PROTOCOL: The effects of road infrastructure, and transport and logistics services interventions on women's participation in informal and formal labor markets in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 14(1), 1–57. Doi https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.200
  • Hanson, S. (2010) Gender and mobility: new approaches for informing sustainability, Gender, Place & Culture, 17:1, 5-23, https://doi.org/10.1080/09663690903498225
  • Hanson, S., & Johnston, I. (1985). Gender differences in work-trip length: explanations and implications. Urban Geography, 6(3), 193-219.
  • Hine, J. & Mitchell, F. (2001). The Role of Transport in Social Exclusion in Urban Scotland. Social Research in Transport (SORT) Clearinghouse. http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/1895-18
  • Johnstone, L., & Ratanavaraha, V. (2020). Public transport initiatives in West Africa, a case study of Abidjan. GEOMATE Journal, 19(72), 197-204.
  • Kenyon, S., Lyons, G., & Rafferty, J. (2002). Transport and social exclusion: investigating the possibility of promoting inclusion through virtual mobility. Journal of Transport Geography, 10(3), 207-219. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6923(02)00012-1
  • Kowalczyk, D. (2019). Research Methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative & Mixed Method - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. [online] Study.com. Available at: https://study.com/academy/lesson/research-methodologies-quantitative-qualitative-mixed-method.html
  • Lucas, K. (2012). Transport and social exclusion: Where are we now? Transport Policy, 20, 105–113.
  • Lucas, K. (2019). A new evolution for transport-related social exclusion research? Journal of transport geography, 81, 102529.
  • Lucas, K. (Ed.). (2004). Running on empty: Transport, social exclusion and environmental justice (1st ed.). Bristol University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1t89876
  • Martínez-Mesa, J. (2016). Sampling: How to select participants in my research study? Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, [online] 91(3), pp.326–330. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20165254
  • Morisset, J. (2019). The challenge of urban mobility in Abidjan. World Bank. Retrieved 16 June from https://blogs.worldbank.org/nasikiliza/the-challenge-of-urban-mobility-in-abidjan
  • Ramiaramanana, F. N., Lam, K., & Martinez, L. (2021). Policy making and political implications and contradictions in changing urban environment-Housing and public transport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. “African cities in 2030: multidisciplinary research to meet health, demographic, economic and political challenges” Bordeaux Summer School!
  • Singhai, A. & Singhai, K. (2021). Gender, Inclusive Transport, and Sustainable Development Goals: A Legal Perspective to Transport Policies.
  • World Bank. (2019a). Côte d’Ivoire Eighth Economic Update: Key Messages. Retrieved July 7, 2023, from World Bank website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cotedivoire/publication/cote-divoire-eighth-economic-update-key-messages
  • World Bank. (2019b). Que la Route Soit Bonne : Améliorer la Mobilité Urbaine à Abidjan (French). Washington, D.C. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/624341549322162402/Que-la-Route-Soit-Bonne-Améliorer-la-Mobilité-Urbaine-à-Abidjan
  • Wright, T. (2016). Gender and Sexuality in Male-Dominated Occupations: Women Working in Construction and Transport. . Doi https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-50136-3
  • Zhen, S. (2021). Rethinking public transportation for women’s safety and security, BLOGS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, TRANSPORT AND HEALTH. https://sustainablemobility.iclei.org/rethinking-public-transportation-for-womens-safety-and-security/
  • Zhen, S. (2021). Rethinking public transportation for women's safety and security. [online] ICLEI Sustainable Mobility. Available at: https://sustainablemobility.iclei.org/rethinking-public-transportation-for-womens-safety-and-security/.
  • Yeh, A. G. O. & Chow, M. H. (1996) An integrated GIS and location-allocation approach to public facilities planning—An example of open space planning, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, Volume 20, Issues 4–5, Pages 339-350, ISSN 0198-9715, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0198-9715(97)00010-0
There are 36 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Transportation and Traffic
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Bassirou Bande 0000-0003-1738-6133

Hülagü Kaplan 0000-0003-0820-4799

Publication Date December 31, 2023
Submission Date July 28, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 15 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Bande, B., & Kaplan, H. (2023). Gendered Dimensions of Transport and Women’s Social Exclusion in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). International Journal of Engineering Research and Development, 15(3), 98-112. https://doi.org/10.29137/umagd.1334337

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