In a recent address at a women in transport conference in Lagos, Nigeria, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, underscored the crucial role of human resources and training in the development of the transport sector. Speaking on the theme “Mindset plus skillset: Championing inclusive agenda for women in Nigeria’s transport industry,” Keyamo emphasized the importance of empowering women within this heterogenous sector. His remarks, delivered by Obiaghelli Ora, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, highlighted that human resources serve as the backbone of effective transport management. He pointed out that as technological advancements transform the industry, it becomes increasingly important for operators to acquire pertinent skills through deliberate training initiatives.
Keyamo posited that enabling women’s participation in the transport business is vital as their management capabilities are often superior. Notably, he cited the aviation sector’s efforts to foster gender inclusivity, indicating that women currently hold key positions at various levels, thereby contributing to its overall growth. This indicates a growing recognition of women’s potential and the value they bring to traditionally male-dominated fields. However, he stressed the need for a supportive environment that actively encourages women to engage in transport, aligning with broader societal goals of gender equality and empowerment.
Kemi Williams, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investment at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), reinforced Keyamo’s sentiments by acknowledging the transport sector as a significant engine for economic growth. She highlighted the urgent need for large-scale inclusion of women in the industry, asserting that achieving gender balance is essential to tapping into the sector’s full potential. Williams noted discrepancies in women’s contributions to the transport industry throughout history, calling attention to the underutilization of their potential as a critical issue not merely of gender imbalance but as a lost opportunity for innovation, equity, and sustainable development.
The theme of the conference emphasized the importance of both mindset and skillset as fundamental tools for fostering inclusivity in the transport industry. This dual focus serves as a framework for addressing the underlying challenges women face in securing their rightful place in this field. Williams’ call to action resonates beyond gender advocacy, positioning women’s inclusion as a necessary component for ensuring a robust and dynamic transport sector capable of responding to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Regina Robinson, the convener of the conference, articulated the event’s aim to address the multifaceted challenges that women encounter in male-dominated sectors like transport. Her vision for the conference included advocating for gender inclusiveness and the establishment of policies and practices that promote women’s participation at all levels of the transport industry. She noted that equipping women with essential leadership skills is crucial to their success, especially in environments where they are often marginalized. This identification of skill acquisition as a necessary step toward empowerment reflects an understanding of how systemic barriers can be dismantled through education and training.
Robinson also emphasized the importance of engaging policymakers to influence the formulation and execution of gender-responsive policies, which would ensure equal opportunities for women in the transport industry. By doing so, it is hoped that a more equitable landscape will emerge, one that not only recognizes the contributions of women but also actively fosters their involvement in shaping the future of Nigeria’s transport sector. This holistic approach underscores the collective responsibility required from various stakeholders to create an inclusive space where diverse perspectives can flourish, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and innovative sector. Overall, the conference served to spotlight the ongoing efforts toward gender inclusivity within transportation, recognizing that collaboration and commitment are essential for achieving lasting change.
