Electrifying the Future: A Gender-Transformative Path to E-Mobility

The UNEP report “E-Mobility as a Driver for Change” highlights how the shift to electric vehicles can promote gender equity in transport systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By addressing women’s mobility challenges and empowering them as workers and decision-makers, E-Mobility can be both a green and just transition.

The transition to electric mobility (E-Mobility) is rapidly accelerating worldwide, promising to revolutionize transportation, mitigate climate change, and create new economic opportunities. Yet, as this movement picks up speed, a critical question arises: Will this shift truly benefit everyone, or will it deepen existing inequalities? The report “E-Mobility as a Driver for Change – Towards a Gender Transformative and Just Transition to Electric Mobility” from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) seeks to answer this question. With funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the report focuses on ensuring that the rise of E-Mobility is inclusive, equitable, and especially beneficial for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

E-Mobility: A Unique Opportunity for Women

The global transportation industry has long been dominated by men. Whether as commuters, workers, or decision-makers, women have been marginalized. E-Mobility offers an unprecedented opportunity to challenge this status quo and create a more inclusive, equitable transport system. As the UNEP report outlines, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and zero-emission transport is more than just an environmental or technological change—it’s a chance to rethink how mobility systems can work for women.

The report highlights the gender-specific challenges faced by women in transportation. For instance, women often rely more heavily on public transport and non-motorized modes of travel, such as walking or biking, due to less access to private vehicles. They also face heightened safety risks, which deter their use of public spaces and services. E-Mobility, with its promise of cleaner, safer, and more accessible transport options, can address these barriers—if implemented with women’s needs in mind.

Gender and the Road to Electric Mobility

The UNEP report emphasizes that a gender-transformative approach is essential to the success of E-Mobility in LMICs. A “gender-transformative” approach goes beyond simply considering women’s needs; it actively seeks to dismantle barriers and create a transport system where women are empowered as users, workers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.

For example, public transportation systems—particularly electric buses and shared mobility solutions—must be designed with women’s specific safety concerns in mind. First and last-mile transport, which addresses the gap between home and public transit options, is another area where E-Mobility can significantly improve women’s mobility, especially with the introduction of electric rickshaws, bikes, and scooters.

The report also underscores the importance of including women in the workforce and decision-making processes within the E-Mobility sector. Women’s participation in the design, planning, and leadership of E-Mobility systems is crucial not only for equity but for innovation. The report points to successful examples in countries like Colombia, Kenya, and Vietnam, where women have been actively involved in E-Mobility projects. These women are not just passengers—they are drivers, engineers, and entrepreneurs leading the charge toward a cleaner, greener future.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential benefits of E-Mobility are immense, the UNEP report acknowledges several challenges that must be overcome to ensure women benefit fully. One of the most significant barriers is the lack of access to financing and capital. Women, particularly in LMICs, often face financial constraints that limit their ability to purchase electric vehicles or invest in E-Mobility-related businesses.

Another challenge is the underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which are critical for the development and maintenance of E-Mobility systems. The report recommends enhancing vocational and technical training opportunities for women to bridge this gap. By empowering women with the skills needed to work in green technologies, the E-Mobility sector can open doors to high-quality, well-paying jobs.

Data is also a key issue. The report calls for greater collection of gender-disaggregated data to better understand the unique mobility patterns, challenges, and needs of women. With better data, governments and businesses can design transport systems that truly meet the needs of all users.

A Call to Action: Building Gender-Inclusive E-Mobility Systems

The UNEP report offers a clear path forward: if countries are to build a sustainable, gender-inclusive transport future, they must act now. This includes integrating gender perspectives into national E-Mobility policies, fostering institutional cooperation across sectors, and supporting NGOs and grassroots organizations that can raise awareness at the community level.

There are already inspiring examples of how E-Mobility can transform women’s lives. In Bogotá, Colombia, the public transportation system now employs women bus drivers for electric buses, creating job opportunities while also ensuring the system is safer and more user-friendly for women passengers. In Kenya, pilot projects are empowering women entrepreneurs to lead in the electric bike and rickshaw industry.

However, for these successes to multiply, governments, businesses, and civil society must prioritize gender equity in every aspect of the E-Mobility transition—from policymaking to infrastructure development, to workforce inclusion.

A Gender-Just E-Mobility Future

E-Mobility presents a unique opportunity to create a more just and inclusive transport system, one that empowers women and benefits everyone. The UNEP report makes it clear that this transition will not happen by default; it requires intentional action, investment, and policy-making. By positioning women at the heart of the E-Mobility revolution, we can ensure that the future of transport is not only green but also fair.