Women in Transport has launched its second annual Women in Transport Equity Index Survey, calling for wide participation within the sector with the goal of understanding and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
Building on last year’s pioneering survey, the 2024 Equity Index will provide critical insights into gender representation, diversity and workforce inclusion across the industry. With 2023 data in hand for meaningful year-on-year comparisons, this survey serves as a new chapter for measurable, impactful change.
Key findings from the 2023 survey include:
- A mere 23% of the workforce identifies as women and more than half of the 23% are in non-transport roles.
- Shockingly, 58% of organisations admit to a gender pay gap of 11% or more, surpassing the national average.
- A staggering 54% of organisations lack formal targets, commitments, or quotas for gender diversity.
- 59% offer no support to primary carers in the form of paid parental leave.
- While 94% of organisations claim to be open to discussing flexible working arrangements, the reality for women remains far from ideal.
- 88% offer flexible start and finish times, but this alone falls short of addressing the deep-rooted gender disparities.
The 2024 survey, opening on 5 November, is accessible only to UK-based transport companies or departments and leverages Work180’s platform for streamlined data submission. Returning participants benefit from pre-populated responses, allowing for quick updates.
This year’s survey is about building on the momentum of 2023 to drive meaningful change in the industry. By providing companies with year-on-year insights, we are creating a powerful tool to track progress, spotlight achievements, and encourage accountability across the sector. Equity and diversity are vital to the future of transport, and we’re proud to lead this essential work.
… said Daljit Kalirai, Interim CEO of Women in Transport
New features and benefits
The enhanced 2024 survey, featuring 17 mandatory and 13 optional questions, digs deeper into intersectional diversity factors impacting workforce composition and leadership structures. Participants will also gain access to a rich information hub with resources and templates to support meaningful diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organisations.
Furthermore, top-performing companies will be recognised in the 2024 report, with the leading five in each sector receiving a certificate and marketing badge, highlighting their commitment to setting a standard for equity in the industry.
Deborah Layde, the Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, emphasized the transformative potential of the survey. She explained that the Women in Transport Equity Index goes beyond mere measurement, acting as a catalyst for essential change across the industry. Moreover, Gemma Lloyd, the CEO of Work180, noted that the tool not only highlighted critical gaps in transport equity but also underscored the importance of fostering inclusive environments within the industry.
Finally, Sue Terpilowski OBE, Founder & Managing Director of Image Line Communications, remarked that a diverse workforce was fundamental to creating a fair and sustainable transport future and called on companies everywhere to engage with the survey, leading the way in setting a new global standard for equality.