Bani Mustafa: Action plan is a national framework that puts into practice the transport priority in the second Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision Qatamin: Public transport development improves women's access to jobs and education Amman, Oct. 8 (Petra) -- Social Development Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment to discuss the action plan to improve women's access to "safe, affordable" public transport.
Transport and Labor Minister Nidal Qatamin and several committee members attended.
Talking at the discussion, Bani Mustafa said the plan is a national framework that puts into practice the transport priority in the second Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision. She said it is part of joint efforts to build women's needs into sectoral policies, including transport, to create safer, more inclusive services for working women.
Safe, affordable transport is essential to women's participation in the labor market, not just a service issue. Better and sustainable services widen women's access to jobs and ease the difficulties of reaching workplaces, she said.
Highlighting the problems facing women in some areas, she cited limited coverage, long waits, high temperatures, infrastructure gaps, unsafe access and multiple trips, which require paying attention to women's needs while designing public transport services.
She detailed the plan's priorities, including links between residential areas, particularly in governorates and areas most in need; the needs of women with disabilities; stronger oversight; training for transport workers; and awareness campaigns.
Qatamin, in turn, underscored that the ministry is working to make public transport "safe and reliable" for women. He said measures include transport for women working in agriculture, possible use of school transport in southern governorates, and scheduled intercity services with set timetables, frequencies and routes.
He added that the system also has electronic payment, CCTV and tracking on vehicles, and channels for complaints and feedback.
He said the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, in cooperation with the Vocational Training Corporation, is developing bus stops that meet standards for women's needs, accessibility, climate conditions and safety.
The Passenger Support Fund and the Bus Rapid Transit project provide regular, fast and affordable options, he said, helping people reach work, study and services.
The committee also discussed the plan's pillars: Governance and institutional integration, safe and inclusive infrastructure, accessible and reliable services, sustainable transport systems, awareness campaigns and comprehensive planning, all through implementable measures.
//Petra// NQ
