Transport justice in South Africa – mapping the gendered impact of transport policy in Alexandra, Jo

Abstract
This presentation focuses on a primary research study conducted in 2018 to examine the relationship between transport and social exclusion, with a specific focus on the case study of Alexandra Township (Alex) located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The presentation will outline the theoretical underpinnings of the complex relationship between transport and social exclusion and notes why it needs to be considered in urban planning. Given that local characteristics generate variability in travel patterns, I will explain why the conceptual framework applied in this study was relevant for measuring transport and social exclusion in Alex. This will also include a discussion on the methodological approach for the primary data collection used in the study. The presentation concludes with an overview of the findings that point to the continuation of social exclusion for those who live in Alex and women in particular, thus perpetuating broader trends of inequality in South Africa and a lack progress in addressing the country’s historical legacy of dislocation and spatial disadvantage.

About
Trinish is an experienced policy professional with a demonstrated history of working in government administration at a senior management level. She previously held the position of Director Fiscal Analysis in the Budget Office at the National Treasury of South Africa. Currently she holds an advisory role for a federal department in Canada where she does work in the area of gender budgeting and its impact for policy making. Trinish is passionate about issues of gender and policy, with her Masters’ research focusing on how access to transport impacts inequality for women. She is an advisory member of an international NGO called Public Finance by Women, is a working group committee member of the Canadian Prosperity Project and also sits on the board of 2 local NGOs – one which deals with refugee women in Ottawa.