Type: Individual consultant to develop a comprehensive feasibility assessment of measures in public transport systems
Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Closing Date: 28 April 2024, midnight Sri Lanka time (GMT + 5:30)
Link to the application
The UNFPA 10th country programme will contribute to the equitable enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights of all Sri Lankans particularly among girls, women and young people. The Fund works towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda through three transformative goals to 1. End unmet need for family planning 2. End preventable maternal deaths and 2. End sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Purpose of consultancy:
Within this context, building on the past interventions of the Country office UNFPA is working towards addressing sexual harassment in public transport. The issue has been a longstanding concern globally and in Sri Lanka. It's causes encompass a wide range of issues that are both inter-connected and far-reaching. From the practical challenges of high congestion, low levels of awareness, and lack of bystander intervention - sexual harassment on public transport is an issue that demands urgent action, Further, public transportation is a key contributing factor to the overall efficiency of the country. As it is utilized primarily for the purposes of travelling to work and for study, the high frequency of sexual harassment on public transport can be a deterring effect on the productive use of transport and inhibits work and/or study related performance. The overall detrimental impact on the well-being and personal lives of women is significant. The project aims to enhance prevention and support risk mitigation measures to ensure the safety of passengers in public transport. As such UNFPA intends to hire an individual consultant to develop a comprehensive feasible study of measures in public transport systems, with a focus on mitigating risks such as gender-based violence, harassment, and other safety concerns faced by passengers.
Scope of work:
Identify and analyse the existing surveillance systems in place within the transportation sector (limited to buses and Trains) the challenges and effectiveness. Identify the main stakeholders to engage and partnerships to be established. Conduct a rapid review of existing literature, research studies, and reports related to safety concerns, of sexual harassment, and risk mitigation measures in public transport systems worldwide. Development of a detailed feasibility report presenting findings, analysis, recommendations, and proposed action plans for consideration by relevant stakeholders.
Develop a set of actionable recommendations for enhancing safety and mitigating risks in public transport systems, with a focus on gender responsive approaches inclusive of sustainability and long-term implications for monitoring and maintenance. Engage with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, public transport operators, civil society organizations, women's rights groups, and other relevant entities to gather insights, perspectives and best practices regarding safety in public transport and what works to validate findings.