Heavyweights in the Nigerian Transport Industry, celebrities, top government officials, and prominent personalities gathered at the maiden Women in Transport Conference organized by Global Transport Policy in Lagos.
The unprecedented Women in Transport Conference with the theme: “Mindset Plus Skillset: Championing Inclusive Agenda For Women in the Nigerian Transport Industry” held at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos.
Former Lagos state gubernatorial candidate and Chairman/Chief Consultant, Global Transport Policy, Dr. Segun Alade Musa, in his speech remarked that the conference became necessary because according to International Labour Organization, women comprise only 12 per cent of Nigeria’s transport workforce.
He said his organization would encourage women who show interest in transport related courses and offer them scholarships.
Speaking further, the frontline maritime expert posited thus;
“We gather here to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and biases as well as to promote entrepreneurship and create a more inclusive industry.
“We are here to champion this bold move as we deepen this conversation with a bigger and more inclusive platform.
“It is a clarion call for the Federal Government to drive women participation in
interested transport related studies from next year.
“There is need for government to foster Inclusive Policies: Advocate for gender-sensitive legislation to build the right mindset amongst transport stakeholders”. He said.
The conference, which had keynote address speaker Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, other motivational speakers including Engr. (Mrs.) Olufunmilola Akingbagbohun, Mrs. Folake Oladapo Soji-George, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, Barr. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, several international gender experts, top female CEOs and other transport industry specialists in attendance addressed the challenges posed to women in the transport industry, it focused on pushing for actionable solutions that fosters equity and inclusion of women in policies that has to do with transportation.
The convener, Regina Robinson on her part said the conference was about driving a conversation that will galvanize change and re-engineer the transport system in Nigeria.
“This event will address challenges faced by women in transport and other male-dominated profession including cultural and societal attitude that limits women’s participation in the transport industry and propose strategies to foster a more inclusive mindset,” she said.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo who was was represented by Mrs Obiageli Orah, from the Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Department, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), noted that the transport sector was multi-faceted, comprising the air, road, rail and water transport modes. He said that each of the modes required special technical skills to operate and manage.
“This is even more important given the massive technological advancement experienced in the sector currently.
“The society is heterogeneous in nature. It is important that policymakers keep this in mind to ensure that the transport sector which has become notorious for male domination is opened up for increased women participation.
“There is need for deliberate efforts to create enabling environment to empower women and give them more opportunities to thrive in the transport business.
“After all, it is said that women are better managers,” he said.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola who was also represented by Mrs Wasilat Adamu, Assistant Director, Maritime Safety and Security Department, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy said achieving the potential of the blue economy would require harnessing the skills, expertise and talents of both men and women.
According to him. “The future of Nigeria’s maritime sector is bright, but to unlock its full potential, we must foster an environment that values and elevates the contributions of women.
“We must change our mindset, invest in the right skillsets and create policies that enable women to thrive.
“By doing so, we are not only empowering women but also creating a stronger, more innovative and more competitive maritime industry that will drive economic growth of Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos state commissioner of Transportation who represented the executive governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu indicated that studies have shown that when women are empowered and given opportunities, industries become more innovative, productive sustainable and helps in gender diversity.
Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) who was represented by Mrs. Kemi Williams, Head of Strategic Partnerships, and Investment, LAMATA opined that it was regrettable that women’s contributions in the transport sector had been negligible and their potential under-utilized.
“This imbalance is not solely a gender issue, it is a missed opportunity for innovation, equity and sustainable progress,” she said.
There were panel discussions and interactive sessions with experts and industry leaders who discussed key topics relating to the conference theme. Mindset Plus Skillset Championing inclusive agenda for women in the Nigerian transport industry. The conference which was said to be the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria enjoyed a rich media coverage.
