WOMEN TRANSPORT WORKERS MOVING THE WORLD

#ThisIsOurWorldToo 

 

Women transport workers are a proud and critical part of the workforce keeping the world moving.  

They work in a wide range of occupations and in some countries, increasing numbers of women are entering the transport industry for work, including in roles traditionally held by men. 

However, the discrimination that is built into transport means women are often few in number, and more likely to be in the lowest paid and most insecure work. There are different barriers and processes that keep women ring-fenced in some jobs and excluded from others in the transport industry. Decision-making positions in the industry also tend to be overwhelmingly dominated by men. 

Women belong in transport and their participation in the sector enriches it for all by pushing to raise standards and working conditions for all workers. Transport can only be gender-responsive if there are women employed in the industry at every level. It is essential to create decent and secure work opportunities in the sector – which identify and remove barriers; attract, retain and progress women; and challenge occupational segregation. 

With a focus on creating a ‘gender equal new normal’, this work is opening the transport sector to gender analysis, which means there needs to be honest reflection and asking difficult questions to challenge discriminatory aspects of our industry culture and practice and put pressure on industry decision-makers – supporting women transport workers, through their trade unions, to challenge unequal power structures, address their most significant industrial and workplace issues and create a better future for women transport workers globally that will also benefit everyone.  

This resource brings together the experiences of women transport workers to make the causes and effects of systemic exclusion visible and map a path forward of action.   

You can contact us by using the form or by email: women@itf.org.uk  

PATHWAYS TO EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY
DRIVERS OF CHANGE
The core principles for making meaningful progress towards gender equality in transport. The key drivers of change that need to be considered, including: digital technology, climate change, international finance, informal work.
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ACCESS TO DECENT WORK
Challenging the myths around ‘men’s work’ and ‘women’s work’ in the workplace and implementing initiatives to strengthen women’s employment in transport that challenge occupational segregation.
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RETENTION
Action is needed to address workplace issues that discourage women from joining and staying in the sector, like lack of safe access to decent sanitation facilities, poor work-life balance, wage inequality, violence and harassment.
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PROGRESSION
Qualifications, training and career opportunities. Equal access to training, re-training and reskilling opportunities for women of all ages is important as part of improving women’s access to the industry and different roles.
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WOMEN CHALLENGING MALE DOMINATED TRANSPORT PROFESSIONS
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