Major strides have been made in women empowerment and equality in the workplace across
industries. But the lack of female representation in certain traditionally male-dominated industries is still a major issue with serious social and economic implications. Unfortunately, the transportation sector is still male-dominated and only a few of truck drivers, mechanics, cargo workers, and transport trailer technicians are women. While these numbers are slowly growing, stereotypes continue to steer women away from roles that are actually gender neutral! Transport jobs can be well paid, rewarding and offer long-term career opportunities.
Creating a more inclusive, gender-equal workplace for women has always been a priority at Mamoja Trading & Projects. We are committed to – and have a track record of – employing and developing women at all levels of the company.
As one of the few black women owed companies in the transport industry, we acknowledge the
drastic difference in the industry in general, between the number of women working in office roles versus on the road. The underrepresentation of women in these roles in the transportation sector is largely a result of gender stereotype and stigma. Mamoja is committed to helping to debunk these archaic, inaccurate stereotypes and showcase the meaningful, lucrative career possibilities available to women in the field.
Encouragingly, while women are still grossly under-presented behind the wheel, they are already
playing other pivotal roles in the industry, from parts technicians and safety and loss prevention
specialists to managerial staff and dispatchers. That women are filling these roles is an indicator that the tides are slowly turning, and the traditionally male-dominated sector is becoming more and more female-friendly.
The benefits of a mixed work force
By attracting more women, the sector will no doubt:
Improve vacancy coverage, filling positions quicker due to the increased number of candidates
Attract more and better talent by making the sector more attractive to both men and women
Increase worker retention
Improve its public image by better reflecting the society we live in
Increase client satisfaction given that women tend to handle customer care issues better
Improve decision making, creativity and innovation due to increased levels of diversity in the workplace
Improve the workplace by helping to create a better team spirit
Improve the employee satisfaction overall as teams which include women are more open and inclusive
Improve safety as women have less accidents in general
Companies and the sector at large have an opportunity to modernise and to attract larger numbers of women into their ranks. To do this, the sector must drive gender awareness as a priority to ensure that any cultures of male dominance are removed, and the traditional stereotypes of man & van are dismantled. A more robust and effective recruitment, training and career development policy must be developed in businesses and organisations where low numbers of women are employed.
Furthermore, women must feel that health and safety are guaranteed in the workplace for them to consider seriously transport as a potential career both for them and their daughters. Together these measures will allow women to see that a strong work-life balance can be achieved and that both they and the sector can enjoy the benefits of working together.
Mamoja Trading & Projects remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring new ways to attract women who may be well suited to various careers in transportation.
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