Investigating the Mobility Challenges Faced by Women in an Urban Area of a Low and Middle-Income Country: A Case Study of Yaoundé, Cameroon

Mobility is a fundamental component of urban life, yet in many cities, transport systems are designed without considering the distinct mobility patterns and safety needs of women. Despite the severity of these issues, the gendered dimensions of transport remain largely invisible in research and policy. To address these gaps, this study assesses the inclusivity of transport options in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Quantitative data was collected from 345 participants, and seventeen intersections were assessed via spatial analysis. The data was then analyzed using logistic regression, association analysis, and cluster analysis to model women’s mobility patterns, trip complexities, and safety perceptions. The findings reveal that women face disproportionate exposure to harassment, with a staggering 97% of respondents reporting victimization. This problem is compounded by inadequate infrastructure; 53% of the audited intersections lacked functional street lighting, and 70% had no marked crosswalks. Age and income levels are significantly associated with mobility choices. For each unit increase in income, the odds of a woman using a private car instead of a motorcycle increased by 66% (Odds Ratio = 1.662, p < 0.001), while older women were more than twice as likely to opt for taxis (OR = 2.052, p = 0.006). Cluster analysis identified six distinct user profiles, with the “Vulnerable Female Pedestrian” and “Young Women on Motorcycles” clusters reporting the highest rates of harassment (96–98%). These findings demonstrate that women’s mobility choices are dictated by a trade-off between affordability and pervasive safety threats. The research concludes that achieving gender-equitable transport in Yaoundé requires targeted interventions, including safer infrastructure and gender-sensitive policy enforcement.