Almost one thousand women in transport will be empowered, thanks to an extraordinary initiative championed by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA). The Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport initiative comprises three structured Programmes: CTA Excellence; Run With It; and, Iron Women. Supported by the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it will see 120 female professionals, 300 entrepreneurs, and 495 truck drivers being trained and mentored over a three-year period. The Programme will be launched online on Friday 20 August 2021 at noon.
CTA Excellence Programme for Aspiring Female Professionals
The female professionals are enrolled in the CTA Excellence Programme. “The CTA has collaborated with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) to design and implement a purpose-driven training solution that will inspire women to improve their knowledge, learn new skills, and advance their management and leadership abilities - with the ultimate goal of remaining in the sector,” explains Nicci Scott, the CTA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Successful learners will be awarded the CILT International Diploma in Logistics and Transport.
Female Entrepreneurs to “Run with it”
The aim of the Run With It programme is to attract female entrepreneurs. This programme will intake 300 women who own or operate businesses in the transport industry and transport business-related services. This is an eight-month-long programme and involves both technical and personal mentoring, enabling women to develop a growth mindset, execute on their business ideas and gain access to market networks. This programme has specifically been designed to support the development of females in the supply chain arena for the logistics and transport industry.
Iron Women programme
This programme aims to upskill individuals who aspire to be truck drivers, but who do not have access to the financial resources needed to acquire a commercial truck driver’s licence. In addition, the Programme assists new and existing drivers who lack the driving skills to gain confidence and secure employment through an advanced driver training programme.
More details about this unique Programme will be shared at the launch.
On the Agenda
The launch participants comprise top government officials, industry leaders and pioneering women making their mark in transport:
- The CTA Excellence Programme for Women in Transport: the journey by Nicci Scott, Founder of the CTA
- The USAID investment into the Project
- The transport sector’s role in empowering women and providing access to opportunities by Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga – Deputy Minister of Transport
- Supporting infrastructure for truck drivers and women in the transport industry by Joe Letswalo – Principal Officer: Transport Sector Retirement Fund
- Industry support for Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport by Joubert Cilliers – Chairperson: Truckers For Unity SA
- Message of support from the courier industry by Garry Marshall - CEO: SA Express Parcel Association (SAEPA)
- Message of Support from the freight industry by Gavin Kelly – CEO: The Road Freight Association
- Message of support by Kathy Bell- Specialist: Standard Bank Group
- The benefits of supporting this initiative by Kas Govender - Director: CTA
- Some case studies of women in transport
- Virtual Unveiling of the Programme
Strong Industry Support
The Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport is supported by USAID, Hollard, Volvo, Iron Women, Highway Heroes, Ctrack, Standard Bank and Onelogix/Trucklogix. The academic partners include the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Commerce Edge.
Industry Imperative
“With women making up less than 1% of the workforce in South Africa’s transport sector, initiatives such as these are vital in transforming the landscape,” concludes Scott. “For women to thrive, this needs to be accompanied by an industry-supported ecosystem for women in transport”.
To register for the event go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcu-vqz4qE9LQ5N-mLVHDTrU3ABCxJehG
