Redefining Transport for Pregnant Women and Mothers
Every day, pregnant women and mothers with young children embark on what feels like a battleground rather than a commute. The iconic yellow and black buses (danfo), lifelines for many Lagosians, are especially daunting for these women. Their experiences expose glaring gaps in our public transport system and challenge us to reimagine a city where transport is not just about movement but also dignity, care, and inclusion.
Pregnancy Meets Public Transport: A Journey of Endurance
Imagine a heavily pregnant woman at a bustling bus stop during rush hour. The crowd surges forward to grab seats—does she have the strength or the option to push through?
On one ride, I saw a pregnant woman muster every ounce of courage to board a danfo. Cramped into a seat meant for three but packed with four, she gasped for air in the stifling heat, with the polluted city breeze offering little relief.
Then, as the bus hit a rough patch, she cried out:
“I get belle, I back pikin—driver, small small!”
Her plea wasn’t just a cry of frustration; it was a heartfelt demand for recognition of her humanity in a system that too often ignores it. This moment underscores the urgent need for transport services that value the health, safety, and dignity of vulnerable commuters.
Mothers on the Move: Navigating Complexity
For mothers, the stakes are even higher. Picture a young mother with a toddler strapped to her back, clutching shopping bags, struggling to find a seat. Her baby cries, overwhelmed by the heat and lack of ventilation. The daily dance of balancing children, belongings, and dignity plays out in crowded, sweltering buses.
The struggles of mothers with multiple children amplify the need for compassion and system-level changes. Their experiences reveal not just personal challenges but systemic failures that impact safety, wellbeing, and equity.
A Call for Transformative Transport: Lessons from Grim Statistics
The stakes are high. A 2020 study revealed that 4.4% of obstetric emergencies in Lagos public hospitals resulted in maternal deaths, with nearly 77% of these women traveling directly to the hospital. This statistic underscores the life-and-death consequences of inadequate transport systems for pregnant women and mothers.
These figures are more than numbers; they represent families torn apart by systemic neglect. Addressing these issues requires a shift in mindset—transport systems must go beyond functionality to embrace inclusivity and care.
Transformative Solutions: Bridging the Gap
Must public transport always be this challenging for pregnant women and mothers? Transformation doesn’t require an overnight overhaul. Small, strategic interventions can make a meaningful difference:
Reserved Seating: Designate priority seats for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and parents with young children on every danfo. Enforcement of such policies ensures inclusivity in practice.
Safer and Comfortable Buses: Partner with operators to retrofit buses with proper ventilation, adequate seating space, and safety features.
Empathy Training: Incorporate empathy-focused training for drivers and conductors, emphasizing respect for all passengers, especially the vulnerable.
Collaborating for Change: Policy and Community Engagement
True transformation requires collective action. Government agencies, such as the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, must implement and enforce policies that prioritize vulnerable commuters. Partnerships with organizations like TRATSEDI can foster initiatives that bridge policy with practice, ensuring that the voices of vulnerable commuters are heard.
Additionally, training programs led by bodies like the FRSC can equip drivers with the skills to provide dignified and empathetic services. At the same time, community-driven campaigns—such as “Kindness in Motion”—can encourage passengers to practice everyday empathy, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.
The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
Transformative transport services are built on small, consistent steps toward inclusion. A reserved seat, an empathetic driver, or a well-maintained bus are not trivial—they represent the foundation of a system that values every commuter.
As Lagos evolves, so must its transport system, moving beyond basic functionality to become a vehicle for dignity, care, and empowerment. Together, we can create a transport system that moves us all forward—literally and figuratively.
