#ClaimingHerCity campaign launched for Women's Month

For International Women’s Month 2024, the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety launched a two-week online campaign marked by the tag #ClaimingHerCity.

The campaign is part of the Youth Coalition’s ongoing advocacy efforts to raise awareness of road safety and its intersection with global challenges in health, climate, and sustainable development. Through the campaign, young leaders and other stakeholders were invited to share stories of inspirational women in related fields, putting a spotlight on their efforts and initiatives.

The campaign highlight took place during International Women’s Day, 8th March 2024, in the shape of an Instagram LIVE that featured H.E. Dr. Lina Shbeeb, the first female Minister of Transport in Jordan, and Susanna Zammataro, Director General of the International Road Federation. The session was led by YOURS - Youth for Road Safety Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, Sana’a Khasawneh.

The discussion celebrated the remarkable contributions of women in advocating for road safety and gender equality in transportation and city planning. It also highlighted the indispensable role women play in shaping safer and more inclusive mobility systems.

H.E. Dr. Lina talked about what it was like being a woman in a typically male-dominated field. She explained the importance of having the voices of women in policymaking so that the needs of vulnerable road users are addressed. She called on young girls and women to make their voices known so that their needs can be recognised and addressed.

"Women should let their voice be heard, make this noise so we have a safe and accessible transport system because no one will be considerate of you and me if we don't fight for our rights"

During her intervention, Susanna talked about some of the stereotypes women face, not just in road safety, but in other professional spheres. She calls on organisations to treat women as they treat men, adding that women are as capable and as knowledgeable on issues such as road safety.

She recalled how the call to road safety came to her at an unexpected time and place, saying that it was impossible to turn a blind eye once you’ve seen the carnage on the world’s roads. "When you see first-hand the carnage happening on our roads, young lives being lost, families being destroyed - how can you not be involved?"

The session ended with both women expressing the need for more girls and women to get involved and take action. Get to know other incredible stories of women in road safety and sustainable mobility by going to our IWD 2024 Board!