Women make up more than half of the world’s population and are the main users of public transport and public spaces. Yet they continue to face major challenges related to mobility, safety and representation because systems are not designed with their needs in mind.
According to the International Labour Organization, women accounted for just 17.3% of the transport and logistics workforce in 2018. The gap is even wider in land transport (road, rail and pipelines), where women represented only 11.8% of the workforce—a figure that falls to just 8.1% in Africa. Across the continent, women make up only 8% of the formal transport workforce.
Beyond the figures, the sector remains largely male-dominated, creating barriers that affect women’s access to jobs, retention and career progression.
As mobility undergoes major transformation, no sustainable model can emerge without fully including half of the world’s population. We cannot afford to overlook such an essential part of society—one that can support the economy and contribute to effective mobility systems. Empowering women is essential to building mobility systems that are resilient, equitable and fit for the future.
Movin’On Africa has brought together four leading professionals from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire to share their insights and experiences.
Rumbidzai Chingosho – Battery Operations Engineer, Mobility for Africa
Rui Mendes Da silva – CEO & Co-Founder, Kemet Automotive
Joanne Fankou – Marketing Manager, TotalEnergies Cameroon
Abimbola Akinajo – Managing Director, Lamataonline
