Izmir Metropolitan Municipality ESHOT General Directorate, to increase women's participation in the workforce and support gender equality “Drive to Equality” project Within the scope of this innovative project, comprehensive training and awareness activities were initiated to encourage the employment of female drivers in public transportation.
What is the “Drive to Equality” Project?
The project, implemented under the leadership of ESHOT, French Development Agency (AFD) provided by Grant support of 100 thousand Euros It aims to strengthen gender equality. The main aim of the project is to reinforce Izmir's leading role in social equality by increasing women's employment in the public transportation sector.
Project Goals
- To ensure gender equality in the sector by increasing the number of female drivers.
- To encourage women to work not only as drivers but also in technical fields such as maintenance and repair.
- To develop women's competencies and support their career journeys through awareness training.
Training Program for Female Driver Candidates
In the first phase of the project, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) In cooperation with the company, training has begun to be provided to 120 female driver candidates. Awareness Workshop, Communication Skills, Stress Coping Methods and Anger Management Trainings covering topics such as support the professional and personal development of candidates.
Details of Trainings
- Driver Excellence Training Micro-Credential Program: A training module that raises awareness and improves communication skills for female driver candidates.
- Digital Badge and Certificate: Candidates who successfully complete the training will be given a digital badge and a “Driver Excellence Training” certificate.
- Advanced Trainings: Special training given by ESHOT driving experts after traffic, driving and field training.
Support from President Cemil Tugay
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, stated that the project will make Izmir an exemplary city in terms of gender equality. Tugay said that women will not only be drivers, will also work in technical areas such as workshops and maintenance and repair. He expressed.
Featured Quotes
- “Our women will both drive and repair our buses.”
- “Women can succeed in any field and achieve wonders if given equal opportunities.”
President Tugay also talked about the daily operations of ESHOT and emphasized how important women's employment in public transportation is for Izmir.
Contributions from AFD
French Development Agency (AFD), draws attention with its support for projects that support gender equality. AFD Türkiye Director Tanguy Denieul, emphasized the importance of transforming the public transportation sector into a gender-equal structure and stated that they support the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in this regard.
AFD's Statements
- “We must create public transportation systems that are safe and provide equal opportunities for women.”
- “Municipalities are our key partners in gender equality.”
Stories of Female Driver Candidates
Women who participate in the trainings within the scope of the project are taking an important step towards realizing their dreams and breaking down social prejudices. Here are a few striking stories:
Sinem Diker
- “Women can always achieve anything.”
- He has been working at the orphanage for 18 years and is realizing his dream of becoming a driver by participating in the project.
Angel Cakar
- “Driving big vehicles is a passion for me.”
- Çakar, a tower crane operator, expressed his great pleasure in participating in the project.
Tugba Hepyalcin
- “I trust ESHOT and I am very happy.”
- Hepyalçın, a swimming coach, has been transporting students for years and sees driving large vehicles as a passion.
Future Steps of the Project
- Purchase of 620 New Buses: Izmir Metropolitan Municipality plans to purchase 620 new buses that will be delivered to female drivers.
- Increasing the Number of Female Drivers: 72 female drivers who successfully complete the training and examination processes will be employed within ESHOT.
- Women's Employment in Workshops: Women will also be encouraged to take an active role in maintenance and repair areas.
A Strong Step for Gender Equality from Izmir
Drive to Equality Project, is an important step towards making Izmir a leading city in terms of gender equality. Aiming to increase women's participation in the workforce and break down prejudices in the sector, this project will be a symbol of an egalitarian approach in public transportation.
Those who take the wheel to show that women can achieve are not only driving buses, but also delivering equality and hope.
