I am starting this year off with new words; we need to stop calling trucking a male dominated industry because while it is predominantly male, the men do not dominate the women who are succeeding in the industry.
There are many women working in non-traditional roles in many industries and that will continue and is to be applauded. However, it will be more difficult to attract new talent if we don’t change our words to be more inclusive.
So, let’s start using “pre-dominantly male” and “non-traditional” rather than male dominated,
Honestly, it doesn’t bother me because I love the industry and because I am ancient; I have been supported by men every step of my life and career.
I am also surrounded by a tribe of incredible women. It does matter to some though especially if they are just being introduced to the industry and don’t know what a fantastic industry it is, and what an amazing career you can have if you choose a career in transport and logistics.
Some of this variety has been shown by the course selections of our eight scholarship winners; in 2019 two chose a Diploma of Logistics, one a Certificate IV in OH&S, and one a course called Fundamentals of Simulation, Sheetmetal and Surfacing in Creo Parametric.
In 2020, we had a Diploma of Engineering, a Diploma of Bus and Coach Operations, a Leadership in Change and a HR Licence course.
All eight courses are in transport and logistics, with the age of the awardees ranging from 24 to 50 plus.
The TWAL Creating Connections Mentoring programme comprises both male and female mentors and TWAL membership is also made up of both males and females.
While they keep harping on about “male dominated” and quotas, they are just alienating people who could offer genuine support.
As an organisation Transport Women Australia Limited welcomes all genders as members and to all their functions.
The 2021 Driving the Difference Conference is just a few months away and we are so excited about welcoming everyone back to Melbourne after a hard 2020.
We have a great line-up of speakers and our amazing sponsors are again supporting us in our endeavours.
We also have a few surprises in store for you which we hope you will enjoy and support.
We will be extending our Women Driving Transport Careers initiative, bringing back our Learning Initiatives Breakfast, and we have another research project to start later in January. Plus, our new website and YouTube channel should be ready very soon.
Our social media presence will be maintained to keep you informed and we encourage all members to participate in our Monday member profile.
I have two other projects in the conception stage which you will be hearing about as they become closer to fruition.
So just another reminder to look out for the conference programme and registration information to hit our social media and Big Rigs, and to renew your membership or sign up for an exciting 2021.