Empowering Safe Journeys: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls with the Women’s Safety Group
Safety is a fundamental right for everyone, yet for women and girls, navigating transport systems often comes with a sense of vulnerability. From public transport to walking routes, the fear of harassment and violence can influence travel choices, restrict opportunities, and reinforce inequality. The Women’s Safety Group, an initiative under Women in Transport, is addressing this challenge directly, with a mission to make transport systems safer and more equitable for women and girls.
The Scale of the Problem
The statistics are alarming. A report by UN Women UK found that 97% of young women have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces, including transport settings. Research from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust revealed that 63% of women feel unsafe using public transport after dark, while British Transport Police data shows that nearly one in five women has encountered unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport. These figures highlight the critical need to address violence against women and girls (VAWG) within the transport sector.
A Collaborative Approach to Safety
The Women’s Safety Group was established to tackle these issues, bringing together a diverse team of professionals, including urban planners, policymakers, engineers, and safety experts. The group’s work extends beyond immediate safety concerns, addressing the broader physical, emotional, and psychological impacts that unsafe transport environments have on women and girls.
The Group’s Strategic Goals
The Women’s Safety Group operates under several key objectives:
Assessment and Research: Conducting surveys and studies to capture the lived experiences of women and girls, while considering intersectionality to address the needs of all demographics.
Policy and Advocacy: Developing practical recommendations and advocating for policies that incorporate international safety standards tailored to local and regional contexts.
Awareness and Education: Delivering campaigns and resources to challenge societal norms and provide communities with tools to combat VAWG in transport settings.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Partnering with stakeholders across sectors, from government bodies to community organisations, to deliver impactful safety initiatives.
Driving Change Through Research and Action
As Chair of the Women’s Safety Group, I am deeply committed to ensuring that research drives practical, meaningful solutions. For example, the group not only examines the prevalence of unsafe experiences but also their root causes—factors such as poor lighting, inadequate infrastructure, and societal attitudes towards gender. By centring the voices of women and girls who use these transport systems daily, the group ensures that its interventions are inclusive and effective.
Looking Ahead
Achieving real change requires a collective effort. Whether by influencing policy, designing safer transport hubs, or driving cultural shifts to challenge harassment, the Women’s Safety Group is determined to create a future where every journey is a safe one.
To realise this vision, we welcome collaboration. Whether you are an advocate, policymaker, or industry professional, your insights and support can help transform our transport systems. Together, we can create public spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.
Let us work together to make safe travel a reality for women and girls—because safe journeys are empowering journeys.
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