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Usha Padhee Seeks More Women in Odisha Transport
Usha Padhee wants more women to work in Odisha’s transport system.
She introduced a woman driver at the Shakti Summit.
The driver showed that women can succeed in jobs often held by men.
Padhee said gender equality should be visible in everyday public services.
She wants women to help plan and make decisions about transportation.
She also said transport should be safe and easy for women to use.
Women’s ideas should be heard when cities plan mobility services.
Better transport can help women take part in work, community life and civic activities.
Usha Padhee called for greater female participation in Odisha’s transport sector.
She introduced a female driver as an example of a woman breaking stereotypes.
Padhee said women should be drivers, transport personnel, planners, technology professionals and policymakers.
She urged mobility planners to prioritize women’s safety, accessibility and participation.
Padhee said cities should be designed by listening to women and gathering regular feedback from users.
- Who
- Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Department, addressed the issue.
- What
- She called for greater participation of women across Odisha’s transport and urban mobility sectors.
- Where
- At the Shakti Summit in Odisha; the specific city was not stated.
- When
- At the Shakti Summit 2026 on Wednesday.
- Why
- To make mobility services more responsive and ensure women’s safety, accessibility, participation and confidence in public transport.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Usha Padhee
- Event
- Shakti Summit 2026: State WCD Leadership Conclave
- Focus
- Gender mainstreaming in urban mobility
- Requested roles
- Drivers, transport personnel, planners, technology professionals and policymakers
- Key priorities
- Women’s safety, accessibility and participation
- Suggested approach
- Listen to women and collect regular feedback from women users
- Broader goal
- Enable women to participate fully in the economic, social and civic life of cities
Quotes
Usha Padhee
Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Department
“Gender mainstreaming cannot remain confined to policies and documents. It must be visible in our everyday lives and in the people who deliver our public services.”
thestatesman.com
“The best way to design a city for women is to listen to women.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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