The context and experience of mobility among urban marginalized women in New Delhi, India

Abstract

Gender and mobility are two different yet complex themes that intersect to reveal the impact of the latter on practices related to gender. Indian women experience restriction on their movement because of social, cultural and economic issues. In such contexts, the informal modes of transport emerge as bottom-up solutions to fill in the voids left by public transportation system. Transportation is not just a means for geographical mobility but impacts social mobility of women resulting in enhancement of their overall quality of life. This research takes a descriptive approach to reveal the experience of mobility among urban marginalized women residing in New Delhi, India. The study investigates the issue with the means of reviewing related literature and a pilot study. Ethnography and informal interviews were used as methods of inquiry into the subject. The study revealed significant findings on the social aspects related to the mobility of urban marginalized women.