Challenges Facing Women in Accessing Public Transport Services in Kaduna South, Kaduna State

Access to safe and affordable public transport is a gendered issue in many Nigerian urban settings, where women face unique vulnerabilities related to security, physical accessibility, and socioeconomic constraints. This study investigates the challenges faced by women in accessing public transport services in Kaduna South, Kaduna State, a socioeconomically diverse local government area in the North West geopolitical zone. Using a qualitative and quantitative mixed descriptive design, data were gathered from 180 women commuters across different age and income groups through semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires. The study explores security concerns, cost barriers, service availability, physical accessibility of vehicles and terminals, and the cultural dimensions affecting female transport use. Findings reveal that over 65 percent of respondents report experiencing harassment or feeling unsafe while using public transport, and nearly half have modified their travel behaviour in response to security concerns. Terminal facilities lack female-specific amenities, and many vehicles are physically challenging for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and elderly passengers. Cultural norms in parts of Kaduna South restrict female travel after dark, effectively excluding women from evening economic opportunities. The study recommends gender-responsive transport planning protocols, the installation of CCTV in transport terminals, dedicated female vehicle spaces on selected routes, and community engagement with transport operators on passenger conduct. Keywords: women and transport, gender mobility, Kaduna, public transport access, transport safety.