Rome proposes Charter for Women in Mobility

Rome is setting a new standard for gender-inclusive urban mobility, with its Charter for Women in Mobility poised to influence both national and European policies.

The initiative, presented at a national workshop in Bologna by Roma Servizi per la Mobilità, TRT, SIPoTra, federMobilità, and Isfort, with the support and contribution from Agenzia TPL di Bergamo, Comitato Pari Opportunità Nazionale Gruppo FS Italiane, Osservatorio Nazionale Sharing Mobility, TPER Bologna, AsstrA, AMAT-MI, and Agenzia TPL Città Metropolitana Milano, Monza e Brianza, Lodi e Pavia, transforms gender mainstreaming from theory into action, addressing women’s unique travel patterns, safety concerns, and underrepresentation in the transport workforce.

Rome’s approach matters

Urban mobility is never neutral. Women’s travel habits—shorter, more frequent, and often multitasking trips—differ significantly from men’s. In Rome, women account for 56.5% of public transport users and rely more on walking, yet face disproportionate safety risks. While men represent 80% of road fatalities, women make up 57.9% of non-fatal pedestrian incidents. Fear of crime further restricts their mobility, with women twice as likely to feel unsafe walking alone at night and four times more likely to avoid nighttime outings.

From data to action

Rome’s Charter is built on evidence. The city has mapped gender disparities in modal choices, safety perceptions, and workforce representation. Women are severely underrepresented in transport professions, holding only 6% of operational roles in Italy. The Charter responds with four key pillars:

Systematic gender-disaggregated data collection
Safe, accessible public space design
Service adaptation for non-linear travel needs
Workforce inclusion through STEM access, mentoring, and flexible policies

Innovative solutions in practice

Marta Project — Credits: Agenzia TPL Bergamo

The Charter also highlights interesting solutions for gender mainstreaming:

Flexible Transport: South Salento’s on-demand service adapts to caregiving and non-linear trips, improving access in underserved areas.
Safety Campaigns: Bergamo’s Marta initiative combines education, public awareness, and staff training to address harassment and build collective responsibility.
Workforce Inclusion: Roma Servizi per la Mobilità’s UNI/PdR 125:2022 Gender Equality Certification promotes inclusive hiring and career development.

A ripple effect across Italy and Europe

In Italy, local innovations—such as pink parking for parents and children, and Bologna’s Gender Atlas—show growing momentum. Rome’s model aligns with Vienna’s decades-long gender-sensitive planning, which has inspired cities like Berlin and Barcelona. The Charter consolidates these efforts, offering a replicable framework for more cities across Italy and Europe.

The Charter is more than a policy document; it is a call to action. By integrating gender perspectives into urban planning, service design, and workforce policies, Rome is not only improving mobility for women but also setting a benchmark for equitable, inclusive cities.