MobiliseHER is a three-year project focussing on gender responsive urban mobility in India. It is co-funded by EuropeAid under the Directorate General for International Partnerships (INTPA) and is undertaken in partnership with UEMI, WRI India, CEPT University Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA). In addition to Kochi, the project is also implemented in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, with an aim to strengthen the engagement of civil society organisations (CSOs) in urban transport planning.

What makes Kochi the right fit for MobiliseHER?

Kochi is a coastal city in the state of Kerala, in the southwest of India. Known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and growing urban landscape, Kochi is also one of the region’s major economic and transportation hubs. But like many cities across India, it still faces critical challenges in making urban mobility safe and inclusive, especially for women and marginalized communities.

That's why Kochi was selected as one of the three pilot cities in India for the MobiliseHER project, which began in June 2024 and are expected to be completed by January 2027.

MobiliseHer 1st Year

The MobiliseHer project in the first year focused on strengthening the selected Civil Society Organizations capacity to intervene in the neighbourhoods for better gender-inclusive mobility.

As part of first year activities, detailed mobility pattern surveys are conducted, both at the household and commuter level in the selected areas in the CMP area. The Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) was responsible for conducting our household and commuter surveys in Kochi.

What comes next for MobiliseHer

Based on data collected through surveys, discussions and interviews with CSOs and experts, in the next two years ending in 2027, the project is planning pilot interventions in specific neighbourhoods, that could promote inclusive mobility.

The mobility labs and discussion are planned to ensure larger participation in the ideation of city-specific solutions that shall guide the city administration in incorporating gender-responsive frameworks in their policies.

What’s been happening in MobiliseHer

Household and commuter surveys in Kochi

The Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) conducted our household and commuter surveys in Kochi. Their expertise is key to helping us collect gender disaggregated data for designing more inclusive and gender-responsive transportation solutions in Kochi.

EU-India Dialogue

In New Delhi, India, the MobiliseHer project hosted EU-India Dialogue and provided a pivotal platform to steer efforts toward meaningful progress in inclusive urban mobility. The event brought together cities, experts, and key stakeholders for insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration to reimagine mobility through a gendered lens.

The event unfolded in three key phases:

Despite the distinct travel patterns both India as well as EU shaped by caregiving responsibilities, public transport systems remain ill-equipped to meet women’s needs.
The guided dialogue provided a platform for delegates from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kochi to showcase their initiatives, policies, and on-the-ground realities. They shared insights on their interventions and aspirations, fostering a rich exchange of experiences.
In the final moments those present had the opportunity for ideation and co-creation, focusing on identifying key mobility challenges in specific neighbourhoods, fostering an understanding of the challenges and aspirations of other urban areas outside their expertise.

The EU-India Dialogue set the stage for actionable strategies and collaborative frameworks to address gendered mobility challenges, underscoring the urgency of advancing inclusive transport policies and solutions.

Co-Design Workshop in Kochi

Kochi hosted a city workshop under the MobiliseHER project, bringing together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and local government representatives. Lead by UEMI, the event aimed to introduce the project and foster collaboration for gender-inclusive mobility solutions.

Participants discussed key challenges faced by women and vulnerable groups in accessing urban transport, while government officials shared existing policies and initiatives. Presentations from UMTC and PRIA emphasized sustainable planning and participatory governance.

A major highlight was the collaborative mapping exercise, where CSOs identified priority areas of engagement across Kochi. Supported by PRIA, UEMI, and the local team, the activity helped align efforts and set the foundation for future actions. The workshop marked a strong beginning for collective action toward safer, more accessible, and equitable mobility in Kochi.

Co-Design Workshop in Kochi

The MobiliseHER project held its Co-Design Workshop in Kochi at Hotel Olive Down Town. The event was inaugurated by Kochi’s Mayor, Adv. Anil Kumar, and brought together key voices from local government, civil society, academia, and international organizations.

Attendees included representatives from the European Union (INTPA-EU), Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI), PRIA, WRI, and local agencies like Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), GCDA, and GIDA. Experts from GIZ, ICLEI, SYSTRA, and local colleges also took part.

A key panel discussion addressed real-life challenges around gender and mobility in Kochi, stressing the need for safer, more inclusive transport. Suggestions included improving last-mile connectivity, building non-motorized transport infrastructure, increasing digital access, and involving more women in transport planning and operations.

The workshop also featured a mapping exercise, where Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) identified local transport issues in specific neighborhoods. Together, participants proposed practical, community-based solutions to make Kochi’s streets and transit systems more accessible and inclusive for all.