Once considered a ¡°male-oriented¡± sector, road transport is now increasingly led by women. ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵdedicates the 2025 International Women¡¯s Day to all the women driving road transport forward.
For this International Women¡¯s Day, we are spotlighting some of the female leaders breaking down barriers.
Here are four women setting the tone.
Anna Gr?nlund
One of IRU¡¯s two vice presidents, both women, and the Deputy Managing Director of ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵmember Sveriges Bussf?retag in Sweden, Anna Gr?nlund¡¯s passion for passenger transport has deep-seated roots.
Why she joined: ¡°I joined the road transport sector through my background as a journalist and PR consultant. I applied for the role of Head of Communications at the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation and later became the manager.
¡°This has allowed me to combine my communications expertise with my passion for sustainable communities and the joy and benefits of working with our members.
¡°I am an organisational person at heart. I gain energy from creating structures and building relationships with talented and engaged industry colleagues.
¡°Perhaps my father¡¯s influence also played a part. He was the CEO of a Swedish public transport authority. He loved his work and still works as a consultant and as the chairman of a bus and coach company.
How to attract more women: ¡°To attract more women to our sector, we need to share the exciting, meaningful work we do, how we contribute to a sustainable and resilient future ¨C and that we dare to be visible and ambitious.¡±
Iro Doumani
Also an ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵVice President, as well as the General Manager of ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵmember OFAE in Greece, Iro Doumani is fully aware of the critical role of goods transport and the key to change.
Why she joined: ¡°Road transport is the backbone of the economy. It plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, ensuring that goods and people reach their destinations safely.
¡°As our industry evolves, we can build greener and more efficient transport networks to better meet the needs of society.
¡°Once I realised the potential, I knew I wanted to be part of this positive change that keeps the world moving.
How to attract more women: ¡°For that to happen, we need change. And change begins with education!
¡°By increasing access to training, offering scholarships, and providing mentorship, we can break down barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in road transport.
¡°Showcasing successful women in the industry will encourage the next generation to see it as a rewarding career path.
¡°I¡¯m committed to being part of this change and driving #inclusivity through education.¡±
Asli Calik
One of IRU¡¯s four women board members, and an Executive Advisor to ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵmember TOBB¡¯s Board of Directors in T¨¹rkiye, Asli Calik is no stranger to passenger and goods transport.
Why she joined: ¡°Road transport is vital to the economy and the sustainable mobility of people. It directly impacts people¡¯s lives, making it incredibly rewarding.
¡°I grew up in this world ¨C my family ran freight and passenger transport businesses in T¨¹rkiye.
¡°To me, road transport is dynamic, challenging, and offers a non-traditional work environment.
¡°It¡¯s built on teamwork and community ¨C making it especially fulfilling for those who value collaboration.
¡°These factors fuelled my passion for the industry ¨C and my commitment to staying in it.
How to attract more women: ¡°We need advanced IT and intelligent transport systems to improve safety, efficiency, and our industry's reputation.
¡°Governments must modernise infrastructure, streamline borders, and enhance traceability.
¡°The industry must continue to uphold strict safety measures, combat harassment, and foster inclusivity.
¡°Flexible work options, mentorship, and confidence-building initiatives are also key to bringing in more women.
¡°IRU¡¯s awareness campaigns and success stories will drive change ¨C a safer, more inclusive sector will encourage greater female participation.¡±
Elisabeth Post
IRU¡¯s fourth female board member, and the President of ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵmember Transport en Logistiek Nederland, from the Netherlands, Elisabeth Post recognises the indispensable role of the sector¡¯s workforce.
Why she joined: ¡°I fell in love with road transport first and foremost because of its people.
¡°They take pride in their craft and the value they bring to society.
¡°They are hardworking ¨C never ones to complain.
¡°They literally drive our economy forward and constantly ask themselves: ¡®How can it ¨C even the seemingly impossible ¨C be done?¡¯
How to attract more women: ¡°We need to have a safer, cleaner work environment with the necessary facilities.
¡°This applies to everyone in our incredible sector ¨C women and men alike.¡±
International Women¡¯s Day puts the spotlight on a key challenge facing road transport: low rates of female participation.
This is not a new challenge.
However, change has been slow. How can we accelerate it?
This is the question a group of female ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵNew Industry Shapers tackled over the course of three virtual dialogues.
Read their stories, insights and solutions to accelerate change in the Women Driving Change report.