Breaking barriers: First National Congress of Women in Transport
On 8 June 2023, the First National Congress of Women in Transport, organised by DIFUNDALIA, took place with the aim of highlighting and giving visibility to the role of women in a sector in which their presence in Spain is a minority.
This historic event brought together businesswomen, drivers, representatives of commercial vehicle brands, professional associations and the European Union, dividing the interventions into four main groups. The congress was closed by María José Rallo, Secretary of State for Transport and Mobility of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda.
Driving equality in transport:
In a sector traditionally dominated by men, the First National Congress of Women in Transport was an important step in pushing for gender equality and highlighting the valuable contribution of women in the transport industry. Currently, only 2% of professional drivers and 22% of employees in transport companies in Spain are women, so this congress was an opportunity to analyse and address the challenges they face.
Diversity in the intervention groups:
In order to comprehensively address the different aspects of transport, the congress divided the interventions into four main groups. The first group focused on female transport entrepreneurs, who shared their experiences and challenges in leading their own companies in a predominantly male environment. The second group featured five female drivers, both truck and bus, who shared their inspiring stories and the barriers they have had to overcome in their careers.
The third group consisted of representatives from commercial vehicle brands, who discussed the importance of promoting gender equality in vehicle design and manufacturing, as well as in the supply chain. Finally, the fourth group included representatives from professional associations and the European Union, who presented proposals and solutions to promote women’s participation in the transport sector.
The importance of the transport sector:
During the closing ceremony of the congress, María José Rallo, Secretary of State for Transport and Mobility, highlighted the strategic and essential importance of the transport sector, as thanks to it, 95% of goods travel by truck. However, Rallo acknowledged that improvements are needed to ensure more equal opportunities and fair working conditions for road transport drivers.
Improvements needed in road transport:
Rallo summarised some of the improvements needed in the road transport sector that were discussed at the congress:
◾Improve the working conditions of road transport drivers.
◾ To raise awareness and inform transport companies about the importance of gender equality and diversity in their teams.
◾ To give visibility to female transport professionals, highlighting their achievements and promoting role models.
◾ Create shared agendas with all road transport actors, both public and private sector, to address challenges and promote joint solutions.
◾ Support training to promote women’s access to jobs in the road transport sector.
◾ Establish an association representing women not only in transport but also in road transport, following the example of the aviation and maritime sectors.
The First National Congress of Women in Transport was an important milestone in advancing gender equality in the transport sector in Spain. By highlighting the role of women and giving them visibility, it opened the door to greater participation and representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
With the support of the Secretary of State for Transport and Mobility, concrete proposals were put forward to improve working conditions, promote training and diversity, and establish an association to represent the interests of women in road transport. This congress laid the foundations for significant change in the sector and strengthened the commitment to promote equality in all areas of transport.
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