There is wide recognition that the transport sector is heavily male dominated. Where figures do exist, on average, globally, women form approximately 22% of the workforce.

Additionally, they are mainly found in lower paid, non-influential positions. Businesses which lack diversity are not as creative or successful as those which include a broad spectrum of employees. Within transport, this is especially problematic as evidenced in the lack of recognition of women’s transport needs (around the mobility of care). This perpetuates the design of systems which may not be inclusive or allow equal access to resources (such as entertainment, health care and employment).

With a wider variety of initiatives to encourage women into STEM in general, and transport in particular, and a widening of career opportunities in the transport sector, this figure may increase. However, there is concern that new female entrants and those from diverse backgrounds may not stay in the industry unless more steps are undertaken to address gender equity.

The aim of this special issue is to benchmark the current status of the sector regarding gender and diversity, illustrate what problems women experience, and highlight good practices.

Papers may focus on, for example:

  • one part of the transport business ecosystem; e.g. road, rail, air, freight, urban planning, research and innovation, education;
  • career trajectories;
  • barriers (e.g. harassment and discrimination, pay gaps, nonfamily friendly working practices);
  • enablers (e.g.  mentorship, apprenticeships, gender action plans);
  • (inter)national sex disaggregated statistics showing where and how women are employed in the sector;
  • health and safety issues;
  • regional studies (especially from low-middle income countries).

Quantitative, qualitative or case studies will be equally welcomed.

Deadlines and timelines

  1. August 30th 2020. Submission of abstract or 2-page outline of the paper to Andree, Woodcock@coventry.ac.uk. Including authors and contact details. We will be happy to receive this before the deadline. Please include subject line: WJ.GTE.
  2. September 30th 2020. Approval notification to submit a full paper and formatting instructions sent out
  3. November 20th Full paper submission deadline
  4. January 15th 2021 Feedback from first review
  5. February 27th 2021 First resubmission deadline
  6. April 30th 2021 Feedback from second review
  7. July 30th 2021 Final paper submission
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