Conference laments women low inclusiveness in transportation

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, has decried low participation of women in transportation sector which he described as the life blood of every economy that connects people, drives commerce and serves as a bridge to development.

He made the statement at the Women in Transport Conference with the theme: “Mindset Plus Skillset: Championing Inclusive Agenda For Women in the Nigerian Transport Industry” at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos.

At the event which was organised by Global Transport Policy (GTP), Sanwoolu lamented the gender disparity in the transport sector in Nigeria and globally that hinders its full potential, adding that women that made half of the population are under represented in decision making roles, technical fields and even as users of safe and equitable transport services.

The Convener and Publisher, Global Affairs Magazine, Regina Robinson, said the conference was about driving a conversation that will galvanise change and re-engineer both the transport system and that of industry of Nigeria.

“This event will address challenges faced by women in transport and other male-dominated profession including cultural and societal attitude that limits women’s participation in the transport industry and propose strategies to foster a more inclusive mindset,” she said.

Chairman/Chief Consultant, Global Transport Policy, Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, said the conference became necessary because according to International Labour Organisation, women comprise only 12 per cent of Nigeria’s transport workforce.

He said his organisation would encourage women who show interest in transport related courses and offer them scholarships.

A trailblazing pilot, Captain Ibironke Rotimi-Olajide, lamented the fact that generally around the world, the ratio of female to male pilots is quite low.

As the first female pilot in Africa to fly the Embraer 195 E2 aircraft, she advised women to embrace with passion the ability to be relevant in transportation, especially in flight profession.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Obiaghelli Ora, said given the heterogenous nature of our society, the transport sector should open for more women to participate in.

Head, Strategist Partnerships and Investment, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Kemi Williams, said that transport sector was fundamental driver of the growth of our economy which needs the inclusion of women.