Empowerment of women in the transport sector

Abstract

Women are a pillar of strength in the transport sector, bringing innovation, initiative, and purpose driven leadership. Yet, despite years of discussions around policies and legislative frameworks, the tangible benefits for women-led businesses in transport remain limited. Many women have registered companies with the CIPC but are often unaware of the compliance documentation required ‒ such as CSD, BEE, and COIDA ‒ to access opportunities. We must empower women to fully understand and leverage these systems by ensuring continuous education, mentorship, and collaboration. Moreover, government departments and agencies must do more than just create policies ‒ they must enforce and monitor compliance to ensure that large corporations uphold BBBEE codes and that the billions allocated for women’s development genuinely reach them. Women’s empowerment in transport business is not only about legal frameworks but also about fostering partnerships ‒ whether through cooperatives, joint ventures, or collaboration with existing businesses. Encouraging women to revive closed companies, engage with manufacturers, and develop innovative logistics solutions can create sustainable opportunities. Mentorship programs, skills development, and financial support are crucial pillars of this transformation. Only through radical and deliberate implementation can we achieve real empowerment for women in the transport industry.