Global Case Interviews
Interviews introducing gender-responsive initiatives in transport policy and urban development around the world. Practical voices point to a more inclusive mobility future.
* The views expressed in each interview are those of the individual, not of their affiliated organization. Titles and affiliations are as of the time of the interview.
Clara Sánchez López
Policy Adviser, IRU
"Initiatives such as this dialogue are valuable in building bridges across regions, sharing experiences, and accelerating progress toward a more inclusive road transport sector." - Clara Sánchez López (IRU)
Rita Baptista Jacinto
Pedestrian Accessibility Specialist and Trainer, Lisbon City Council
Portugal
"Meet people first, listen, gather solid on-the-ground data, show that you are serious about this and know what you are talking about, and learn as you expand." - Rita Baptista Jacinto (Lisbon City Council)
Hinano Maji
The Railway Bureau, MLIT
Japan
"I hope to be able to work not only with gender as a normative concept, but also on efforts that incorporate it into concrete policy." - Hinano Maji (MLIT)
Yuki Tanaka
Former Director-General for International Affairs, MLIT
Japan
"Transport and community-building are domains that everyone engages with every day. If MLIT advances its initiatives and they take root among local governments and industry, there's a real possibility that broader society will also come to understand that 'this really matters.'" - Yuki Tanaka (Former Director-General for International Affairs, MLIT)
Yu Murata
Gender Policy Promotion Officer, Inclusive Society Policy Division, Policy Bureau, MLIT
Japan
"The term 'gender mainstreaming' may sound difficult, but I want to make a point of conveying it clearly in plain language." - Yu Murata (MLIT)
Marion Lagadic
DPhil Researcher at the University of Oxford and Policy Analyst at the OECD
"Recognising this strength is an opportunity." — Marion Lagadic (University of Oxford)
Nato Kurshitashvili
Senior Transport Specialist, World Bank
"Women's access to transport is a jobs issue. Safe, reliable, and affordable mobility connects them to work, education, health, and other critical services, and when women advance in the transport sector, including into high-skilled and managerial roles, economies gain talent, innovation, and role models for future generations." - Nato Kurshitashvili (World Bank)
Karen Vancluysen
Secretary General, POLIS
Europe
"We want to design a transition that truly leaves no one behind, and build consensus step by step through data and dialogue." — Karen Vancluysen (POLIS)
Magdalena Olczak Rancitelli
Senior Manager, International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD
"By acting now, Japan has the opportunity not only to strengthen its own transport system, but also to position itself as a regional leader in future-oriented mobility." — Magdalena Olczak Rancitelli (ITF)
Chiara Corazza
G20 EMPOWER: Representative for France
France
"I strongly believe that the world needs the contribution of all talents at the highest level, in all the strategic sectors. STEM education is the enabler for shaping these talents towards leadership." — Chiara Corazza (G20 EMPOWER)
Åsa Vagland
The Swedish Transport Administration
Sweden
"Promoting gender equality requires concrete consideration of who is being targeted and how to realize those goals, as well as objective analysis based on gender-disaggregated data." — Åsa Vagland (The Swedish Transport Administration)
Mayuga Keisha Alena
Advisor, Gender and Inclusivity, The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Germany
I encourage you to ask yourself, "How can I empower other women in the same field?" - Mayuga Keisha Alena (GIZ)
Emiko Araki
Director, International Cooperation Office, International Policy Division, MLIT
Japan
"Many of those working on gender bring a remarkable sense of purpose to their roles, and meeting them has been motivating and encouraging." — Emiko Araki (MLIT)
Christel Goossens & Lindsey Barr
Christel Goossens (BHRM & Marketing Senior Manager) / Lindsey Barr (Senior Director - Events and Academy Services), UITP (International Association of Public Transport)
"UITP welcomes Japan's efforts on gender mainstreaming." — Christel Goossens and Lindsey Barr (UITP)
Hisashi Haraguchi
International Negotiations Officer, International Policy Division, Policy Bureau, MLIT
Japan
"Gender equality in the land, infrastructure, and transport sectors is essential to building a society that is livable for everyone." — Hisashi Haraguchi (MLIT)
Yukari Kasahara
Senior Transport Administrator & Policy Analyst, International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD
"Transport and gender awareness begins with noticing the small discomforts in our daily lives." — Yukari Kasahara (ITF)
Tomoko Matsuzawa
Director, WPS International Cooperation Office; Gender Advisor, Ministry of Defense
Japan
"Incorporating gender perspectives is not about giving special treatment to certain individuals. It is a fundamental approach to protecting the safety and dignity of everyone." — Tomoko Matsuzawa (Ministry of Defense)
Kanako Miyawaki
Section Chief, Personnel Division, Minister's Secretariat, MLIT
Japan
"I would be happy if society came to share the idea that by incorporating a gender perspective that has unconsciously been left out, our surroundings will become easier to live in for everyone." — Kanako Miyawaki (MLIT)
Patrick Mallejacq
Secretary General, World Road Association (PIARC)
My message is the importance of "leadership by example" and "sharing positive cases." - Patrick Mallejacq (PIARC)