Women in Transport, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting diversity and equity in the transport sector, is launching a groundbreaking initiative to promote gender diversity and equity in the transport industry.
As informed, this project will be an innovative cross-sectoral index from data collected across the transport community. The survey will begin in June and run for two months, with its headline report scheduled for release during London International Shipping Week in September 2023. The full report will be launched at WiT’s Winter Reception.
This is a significant point in the quest for a more diverse and equitable transport workforce. The APPG for Women in Transport are proud to support Women in Transport’s Equity Index Initiative. By fostering inclusivity and highlighting best practice, we hope to inspire other sectors to follow our lead, creating a ripple effect of positive change across industries.
..said Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Transport, Ruth Cadbury MP.
The Women in Transport Equity Index is a unique initiative that will provide valuable data to help drive progress towards greater diversity and equity in the transport sector. By benchmarking companies against their peers and providing access to resources, we hope to create a more inclusive and equitable industry that better reflects the UK population.
…said Sonya Byers, CEO of Women in Transport, the index is essential to achieving gender equity in the industry.
Sue Terpilowski OBE, the lead person for the index, emphasised this viewpoint: “The transport sector has a long way to go when it comes to gender diversity and equity and the Women in Transport Equity Index will play an important role in driving progress. By identifying best practices and providing resources to companies, we can create a more level playing field that benefits everyone.”
In particular, the survey partner for the Women in Transport Equity Index is Work180, a leading organisation that advocates for workplace gender equality. The survey will consist of 10 mandatory and ten optional questions, including intersectional ones, to provide comprehensive data without being too time-consuming. Those who complete the full questionnaire will receive a free overall score and a 25-page report with benchmarking data. Top-performing companies will receive recognition and a badge to display for marketing purposes.
As explained, transport is a great industry with a collective turnover of £214 billion in 2020 and over 1.5 million people employed in the sector. However, significant challenges exist in attracting, recruiting, and retaining diverse talent representing the UK population.
The industry is heavily male-skewed, with only 21% females, and it is unclear how many are in transport-related positions. This is why the Women in Transport Equity Index is an important initiative to create a more equitable and inclusive transport sector. By providing valuable data and resources, Women in Transport hopes to drive progress towards greater gender diversity in the industry. Companies are encouraged to participate in the survey to benchmark themselves against their peers and identify areas for improvement.
