On Tuesday, Bengaluru marked a significant step towards gender equity in urban transport with the launch of the ‘MobiliseHER’ initiative. The event took place at Vikasa Soudha, organised by the Karnataka Urban Development Department (UDD) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in partnership with the European Union and WRI India.
‘MobiliseHER’ is a multi-city project funded by the European Union, targeting gender-responsive urban mobility solutions in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kochi. This initiative leverages data to highlight disparities in mobility patterns between genders and aims to address these gaps by improving transportation infrastructure and services. The project involves close collaboration with civil society organisations and government bodies to build capacity and support the integration of gender-sensitive practices into urban planning.
The Additional Chief Secretary of UDD and Administrator of BBMP highlighted the urgent need for this initiative, noting that Bengaluru’s population has surged by 50% over the past decade. This rapid growth has presented challenges in creating an inclusive and equitable urban environment. “A collective effort from all stakeholders is essential to ensure that MobiliseHER fosters meaningful participation and generates practical solutions for a more inclusive city,” he stated.
With a population exceeding 14 million, Bengaluru is a crucial economic hub for Karnataka and ranks as the fourth largest technology cluster globally. However, the city faces a notable gender disparity in workforce participation, with women making up just 24% of the labour force in 2024. Addressing the diverse mobility needs of all genders is critical to supporting equitable growth and ensuring that the benefits of economic development are shared more inclusively. ‘MobiliseHER’ aims to tackle these challenges by analysing gender-specific mobility data, identifying infrastructure deficiencies, and implementing strategies to enhance accessibility for all residents. By fostering a more inclusive approach to urban transport, the initiative seeks to improve overall quality of life and contribute to the sustainable development of Bengaluru.
