Urban mobility significantly influences economic opportunities and social inclusion. In the context of developing countries, such as Tanzania and Nigeria, urban transportation systems often face a shortage of gender-sensitive policies, leading to systemic differences in material circumstances between men and women. The current state of transport policies often overlooks the gender-specific needs of women, resulting in systemic exclusion from urban mobility benefits. 

In Tanzania and Nigeria, gender-insensitive urban transport planning and the fear of sexual harassment, for instance, significantly impact women’s mobility and economic participation. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and gender-sensitive transport planning in both countries. Despite the developmental recognition of women in Tanzania (viz-a-viz Dodoma city) mobility stress and pedestrian vulnerability of women make them walkability victims. Gender roles are also significant in Abuja’s socio-cultural context, with women when compared with men, often facing additional challenges in accessing economic and social opportunities. This disparity is particularly pronounced among low-income women. The city design inspired by Ebenezer Howard’s Garden City concept favours car movement and marginalizes pedestrians. 

The literature underscores the critical importance of gender-sensitive transport planning in enhancing women’s mobility and economic participation. Thus, investigating the daily commuting experiences of walking among low-income women in Abuja and Dodoma is justified by the pressing need to address the gaps in urban transport systems that hinder women’s economic and social activities. Consequently, women who are residents of low-income residential areas of Abuja and Dodoma, face significant challenges. To bridge these gaps and enhance effectiveness more inclusive approach should focus on the specific challenges faced by low-income women walking to work, urban policies can be better tailored to promote safer and more accessible walking environments in Abuja and Dodoma.