Driver's Digest

Issue 1

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Text Marianne Ovesen Photo Pontus Johansson "Men and women face the same challenges" The USA has more female truck drivers than most other countries. More women generate greater profitability, according to Ellen Voie, the founder and president of the organization known as Women in Trucking (WIT). WOMEN IN TRUCKING Founded: 2007. Founder and president: Ellen Voie. Headquarters: Plover, Wisconsin, USA. Number of members 2012: Just over 2,000 individuals and companies. When it comes to security, the truck stops and trans-shipment terminals need good lighting, fencing, guards and adequate hygiene facilities." What is WIT doing to support women? "Because it's difficult to spend long periods on the road. Their families suffer and it's lonely. What's more, the male-oriented culture is a major challenge. Women in the trucking industry are tearing down the barriers and many men are not comfortable with this. It isn't unusual for women to be harassed by their male colleagues and, in addition, truck stops and trans-shipment terminals are often unsafe places." "We are speaking to the authorities, politicians, trucking companies, job centers and vehicle manufacturers and helping them attract women in the transportation industry. Don't forget, we have a shortage of drivers! If the number of female drivers in the USA were to double, the current shortage would be eliminated – and there would still only be just over ten percent women behind the wheel. "WIT is creating a recruitment guide with tips for trucking companies and transportation companies which are interested in attracting women to work for them. We are also focusing very heavily on spotlighting women who already work in the trucking industry." How can equality be improved in the trucking industry? What would you say to your daughter if she wanted to be a truck driver? "Men and women face the same challenges, but we prioritize them differently for women. For example, safety and security are more of an issue for female drivers. Truck stop amenities and restroom facilities can be difficult to find for women." "I would tell her to accompany someone in a truck for two to three weeks. This would give her a chance to test her self-confidence, patience and ability to be alone for long periods. I would also tell her to learn self-defence and the easiest way to feel safe at a truck stop." How is this going to be achieved? What do you think about the work Volvo Trucks is doing with female drivers? Why do so few women become truck drivers? Objectives: • To encourage women to apply for jobs in the trucking industry. • To make the challenges faced by women in the industry visible. • To act as a network and forum for women in the transport industry. • To present scholarships to women who want to train and develop within the industry. 30 "The trucking company owners need to support their female employees and must address instances of coarse language, sexism and men who harass women. These companies also need to understand that women are often safer drivers because they take fewer risks than men and incur less large-scale damage to their trucks. "It's incredibly important that vehicle manufacturers take an interest in the work just as Volvo Trucks does. If there are no drivers, they won't be able to sell vehicles. Several truck manufacturers – for instance Volvo Trucks are support members of WIT." ■ DRIVER 'S DIGEST #1/2013 VTM_1_13_US_en.indb 32 DDQ113PG008-19_30-31_Common Pages.indd 30 2013-05-22 14:51 5/22/13 10:18 AM VTM_1_13

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