ZAINAB JUNAID
The fight for gender equality has become a global course in achieving equality for all people, regardless of gender. It is a fight to end gender disparities, eliminate violence against women and girls, challenge the stereotypes of biases, and ensure equal participation and opportunities. Furthermore, it’s a Clarion call for the Federal Government of Nigeria to drive women’s participation in governance, legislation and critical Stakeholders engagement, build capacity, enhance skills and knowledge, promote entrepreneurship, as well as foster inclusive policies.
This was conveyed during the ‘Women in Transport Conference, themed “Mindset Plus Skillset: Championing inclusive Agenda for Women in the Nigerian Transport Industry”, organized by Global Transport Policy on Friday, 29 November, 2024 at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Discussions on Changing Perception in the Transport industry; Supporting Women’s Career Growth; Sustaining the future of Women in Transport; Championing inclusive Agenda for Women in the Nigerian Transport Industry brought together representatives from the Federal and State Government, Female legislators and academics, International Gender Experts, Top female CEOs, Other Transport Industry Specialists as well as the Media, shedding light on various challenges faced by women in the industry globally, which also impact Nigeria Transport Industry. They also elucidated how to create enabling environment for women.
At the outset of the discussion, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu posited that Lagos State Government recognized gender inclusion as a cornerstone of progress, even as it is committed to fostering a transport system where women thrive as policy makers, innovators, commuters and entrepreneurs.
Represented by Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, he revealed that having recognized the threat gender imbalance might bring to the economy, the State Government, in a proactive move integrated gender responsive strategy into its transport policies, thus addressing women unique mobility needs.
“We’ve empowered women through skills development, partnered technical institute and international organizations (United Nations Development Program) to educate more women in engineering, logistics and green transport technologies. Over 500 women have been trained by UNDP,” he stated.
Cross section of participants at the Women in Transport Conference held on Friday, 9 November, 2024 at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The governor noted that the theme of the event as carefully chosen, underscored the true pillars of transformation which is changing perception and building capacity in the Nigeria Transport Industry. He equally affirmed that achieving an inclusive agenda for women in the Nigerian Transport industry requires collective efforts of all sectors.
His words, “To address Gender Inclusivity, we must challenge outdated stereotypes that limits women participation in the transport industry, advocate, educate and showcase success stories that will encourage more women into the industry”.
Speaking further, Governor Sanwolu urged policy makers to design frameworks that prioritize gender equity in transport policies and programs; charged Corporate Organizations to create more opportunities for women at all levels of transport value chain from technical roles to executive positions; and enjoined young girls to see transport industry as a space for innovation, growth, and a path to dream and to lead.
“Lagos State is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, our investment in all forms of transport is guided by commitment to inclusivity. We are determined in Lagos that regarding gender, no one will be left behind. This is because Gender Inclusivity is a force multiplier for innovation, growth and societal progress. Let this conference serves as a captive for bold actions, transformation policy that will shape the transport industry where women are not just participants but leaders and change makers,” the Governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Segun Musa, an outstanding maritime expert, CEO Widescope International Group and also Organiser of the event, emphasized the need for Federal Government to create strong support policy, drive women participation in governance, legislation and critical Stakeholders engagement.
“To challenge the stereotypes of biases, there’s need for more capacity building, enhance skills and knowledge for women, and foster inclusive policies,” Dr. Musa stressed, even as he identified mutual Collaboration as a key driver to amplify the strategic campaign for gender inclusion.
To him, “We are here to champion inclusive Agenda for Women in the Nigerian Transport Industry, as we deepen conversation with bigger and more inclusive platforms, we will extend our recognition to IMO, ILO, IATA, ICAO among other global organizations in 2025. We are looking forward to more strategic partnership in 2025 for bigger impact. We are inviting the media to also join this campaign move”.
Dr. Musa informed that a number of government agencies have being trained in the last 4 months to build the right mindset among relevant Stakeholders and also encouraged more girls education which is part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).
“We will be offering at Scholarship to ten(10) Secondary School female Students, who are interested in studying transport related studies from next year. We will ignite a movement to revolutionize Nigeria Transport Industry by harnessing the power of mindset and Skill Set. We will unlock women potentials, drive economic growth and create more inclusive industry,” he added.
Similarly, Panelists at the venue also addressed the very subtle issue of changing perception in the transport industry; Leadership and mentorship in supporting women’s career growth as well as sustaining already established gender inclusion.
In this context, the crucial role of media in shaping social attitude and perception was highlighted, emphasizing their responsibilities of promoting female gender Inclusivity, creating a shift in women’s perception.
Dr. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, immediate past Chairman Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineer challenged all participants to have a mindset shift from a fixed one to a growth mindset.
She advocated increase in mentorship to encourage more women.
In her words, “If you are in a transport sector, you must have a mindset of adding value to your generation. Women form a small percentage of the workforce in Nigeria transport industry, we have feasible under- representation in decision making roles. I hope this narration will change after this workshop.
“Ab initio, Career progression for women faced systemic barriers such as lack of access to mentors, but I’m happy seeing our women making giant strides in the industry. However, there is need to increase mentorship. There is need for a shift in the perception to create a new reality for yourself as a woman in transportation. There is need for perseverance and confidence in yourself as a woman. We need to create a culture for ourselves in transportation. Though there are limitations but we can break barriers. To build a thriving and diverse transport sector, we must celebrate and recognize the achievement of women in the industry by creating platforms that showcase the successes, and inspiring future generations championing agenda requires a mindset that values diversity and inclusion alongside investments in women’s skills and addressing systemic barriers. Inclusion in transportation is not just a moral imperative but an economic strategy that drives innovation and productivity.
“By fostering collaboration among Stakeholders in the transport industry, we can create an equitable environment where women thrive, benefitting individuals, organizations and Societies at large,” She concluded.
The following individuals also participated at the event -Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, Maritime Expert and former Lagos Port Manager; Captain Ibironke Olajide, a Nigerian Pilot; Oritsematosan Edodo- Emore, Maritime Lawyer; Dr. Hope Nkemjiaka Iloka, District Medical Officer of the Western District, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) among others.
