Embark with us! Action-research on women with disabilities in sustainable mobility options in Montreal
Switching to environmentally friendly modes of transport is essential to fighting climate change. This means more bike paths, pedestrian-friendly streets, a better public transit network, and shared mobility services in Montreal. At present, women with disabilities are often left on the sidelines when it comes to sustainable mobility solutions. With this in mind, members of the Table des groupes de femmes de Montréal (TGFM) launched an action-research project. The aim is to explore sustainable mobility from the point of view of women with disabilities.
This project is based on a participatory approach involving a dozen experts in their own experience, i.e., people who identify as Montrealers living with functional limitations. They kept logbooks, participated in exploratory walks and took part in numerous co-analysis meetings. Other testimonies were gathered through a survey completed by nearly 150 women with disabilities and focus groups held with 3 organizations fighting for inclusion.
This research underlines the importance of mobility for social participation and inclusion. Despite efforts to create an inclusive and safe urban environment in Montreal, women with disabilities face daily challenges getting around the city as mothers, workers, activists, students and residents. The research documents these challenges and strategies for coping with them, including the insecurity of paratransit, exclusion from regular public transport and the many obstacles in public space. Above all, the testimonies gathered highlight the urgent need for action to ensure sustainable, inclusive and safe mobility in Montreal. This research is the starting point for these changes.
The report is only available in French.
To read the full report in accessible pdf format
To read the summary sheets in non-accessible pdf format
To read the summary in an accessible Word version
Photo exhibition
To disseminate the research results, we have developed a travelling photo exhibition. The exhibition offers an intimate look into the lives of 8 of the experience experts. The photos capture their challenges, their daily resistances and their claims to navigating an environment that is often hostile and discriminatory. These perspectives aim to inspire the audience to rethink not only their everyday attitudes and behaviours but also the planning of public spaces, services and events to make them more inclusive and safe for everyone.
The exhibition is currently on display at Maison Parent-Roback, 469 Jean-Talon Street West, for September, October and November 2024, except for the period from September 18 to 24.
If you would like to receive the photo exhibition at your offices or events, please write to Marie-Eve.D@tgfm.org
Partners
This action-research was carried out thanks to the mobilization of several TGFM members:
The action-research project received financial support from the Secrétariat à la condition féminine and Mitacs, as part of the Mitacs Accélération program, for an internship supervised by Sophie Paquin, professor in the Department of Urban and Tourism Studies at UQAM's École des sciences de la gestion.
