Istanbul: The World Bank Group has initiated efforts to bolster women’s involvement in the transport sector by organizing a conference titled “Women in Transport: Supporting Women as Leaders and as Employees” in Istanbul, Turkey. The event aims to enhance the role of women across the transportation industry, focusing on regions including Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa.

According to Anadolu Agency, the conference spans two days and centers around the Women in Transport (WiT) Network. This initiative is designed to empower women within all facets of the transportation sector, promoting gender equality and inclusivity. Turkish Infrastructure and Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu addressed attendees at the opening ceremony, highlighting the historical perception of the transport and logistics sector as male-dominated and acknowledging the significant progress made in recent years to enhance women’s positions in the workforce.

Minister Uraloglu emphasized the importance of linguistic transformation, pointing out the shift from using the term “businessman” to “businessperson” as a pivotal change that underscores the growing recognition of women’s contributions in the business world. This change in language, he noted, is a crucial step towards reshaping societal perceptions and fostering equality.

Uraloglu further elaborated on the conference’s objectives, stating that the WiT Network seeks to elevate women’s roles in transportation, cultivate an egalitarian work environment, and ensure gender equality. He expressed optimism that these efforts would not only benefit the transportation sector but also contribute to a more inclusive society overall.