Transaid secures funding to develop safe public transport for women scheme in South Africa

Transaid has secured an investment from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for a new project targeting improved access to safe public transportation for women across the western cape of South Africa. The international development organisation specifically targets the informal minibus taxi industry. This is the primary mode of public transport for most South Africans, accounting for 80.2 per cent of work trips in 2020. Buses (16.6 per cent) and trains (3.2 per cent) lag far behind in comparison. Transaid intends to support the introduction of a safe taxi charter which will work to improve awareness of sexual and gender-based violence and strengthen reporting. Women cite concerns for their physical safety and security as a contributor to limiting their access to education and employment opportunities.