Employment in transport is by far male dominated compared to the rest of the economy. The share of women working in the EU transport sector is only 22% while the share of women working in the entire European Union is 46%.

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The barriers from the perspective of women to be involved in a job in transport include gender stereotypes and discrimination, safety issues, since workers in transport are vulnerable to violent behavior, potential sexual harassment, hygiene problems, including the lack of segregated dressing rooms and toilet facilities, along with low level of hygiene at these facilities, and several others.

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From the employers’ perspective, the barriers are quite similar and include safety and hygiene investment needs, investments in childcare or relevant care services, e.g. elder care, maternity and parental leave requirements, tolerating with a less friendly environment for women and others.

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However, hiring women in transport can produce several benefits. Women can commit longer to a company, can better handle client relationships and drive more efficiently and safer, resulting in less accidents and less incidents of violence.

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European Commission has conducted a study to increase female employment in transport. In this study, a number of case studies are performed with companies that are advanced in implementing gender equality policies and measures across all transport modes. These measures are examined in terms of costs and benefits. Their transferability to smaller, not yet gender balanced, companies is also assessed.

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Source: European Commission