497 Leading advocacy efforts in road safety: a gender perspective

<h3>Background</h3> While diverse studies highlight the benefits of women in road safety, their experiences and challenges in advocacy remain under-researched. Landmark road safety legislation, like Law Julian Esteban in Colombia (2022) or the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety in Mexico (2022) were led by women advocates. This study explored the role, challenges, and solutions related to women advocating for road safety through a comprehensive survey. <h3>Objectives</h3> Understand the unique role of women leaders in road safety advocacy. Identify the barriers faced by women leaders in road safety advocacy. Analyze potential solutions implemented and proposed by women leaders in road safety advocacy. <h3>Methods</h3> A global online survey with 29 closed and open-ended questions was conducted, reaching health advocates across 38 countries. We received 110 responses (51% female, 48% male, 1% non-binary; ages 18–60). Respondents represented academia, nonprofits, for-profits and the public sector/government, including junior to senior roles, with experience in road safety, tobacco control, drowning prevention and nutritional health. We then conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses. <h3>Results</h3> Differing approaches: 70% of respondents perceive women advocates adopting different approaches from male advocates and are particularly effective in communication and partnership building. Further, female respondents perceived as more important to be presentable and empathetic, and observed as less important to follow political rules of etiquette, than their male counterparts. There is a higher correlation of women using advocacy techniques that incorporate teamwork, whereas the observed correlation with men emphasizes individual advocacy techniques. Unique barriers: Women face challenges like work-family balance, lack of mentorship, pay gaps, gender bias, and safety concerns. Potential solutions: Spotlight the barriers women in advocacy face, policy changes for equality, formal training programs, leadership placements, creating safe spaces, and network building. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Law Julian Esteban and the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety showcase how women advocates exemplified the potential solutions portrayed in this study. Indeed, empowering more women advocates will strengthen teamwork and coalitions, maximizing the possibility for stronger laws and policies not just in road safety but other fields.