Campaign on gender equality, respect for women in transport sector launched

Non-government organizations, the Australian government, and the Senate launched yesterday a campaign on gender equality and respect for women in the transport sector.

Leading the launch of #inFAIRness were Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senators Grace Poe and Risa Hontiveros, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely, Transportation Assistant Secretary Elvie Medina, and Zeny Maranan, head of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Associations of the Philippines.

The campaign, to be run by the embassy of Australia, Australian Aid and non-government organizations Investing in Women, Spark! and Mr. Click, seeks to improve gender equality, respect and safety of women, and improving economic opportunities of women.

“While our country is matriarchal, the pedestal is not yet at its highest perch. Our women have long broken the glass ceiling in many sectors,” Sotto said at the launch at the Senate.

However, he cited the “huge gap” on gender equality in the transport sector.

“With more women out there, our roads will be safer, less chaotic, more orderly, disciplined. There will be less road rage and fewer accidents and deaths. More understanding and compassion,” he said.

He said it is for the benefit of society whenever women assume more leadership roles as they provide a good balance of leadership and care, “that if combined, provides a powerful effect.”

According to Poe, the transport sector is one of the industries where women are least represented. She hoped that through the event, women’s actual participation will be realized to make the transportation sector safer and more sustainable.

Gorely said while the Philippines is among the highest in the world in terms of closing the gender gap, there remains significant barriers for economic opportunities for women due to certain “innocuous” but negative stereotyping, often seen in advertisements in public transport.

“Culture and norms are not easy to shift. Given the time Filipinos spend in commuting, the transportation sector is a good place to start,” Gorely said.

The campaign includes the putting of stickers in public utility vehicles and commuter trains in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao; and gender and development training for marketers and brand managers.