Women’s Month highlights changing role of women in transport

Xin Huang, COO of FAW Trucks Southern Africa, says the contribution of women across the organisation is an increasingly important part of its success.

Women are increasingly represented across areas including fleet management, sales, finance, operations, customer service, supply chain management, manufacturing and leadership. FAW says this reflects a broader change in an industry that has traditionally been associated with men.

Women’s Month also provides an opportunity to recognise the significance of 9 August 1956, when thousands of women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws.

According to Statistics South Africa, women accounted for 27.6% of employment in the transport and storage industry in 2023. In road freight specifically, women represented 17.8% of employment.

FAW says the changing nature of transport and logistics is also creating opportunities for a broader workforce. Technology is changing the way fleets operate, while increasingly sophisticated supply chains and greater emphasis on efficiency, customer experience and innovation are expanding the range of skills required within the industry.

At FAW Trucks Southern Africa, women are represented across manufacturing and operations, sales, finance, customer support and management, as well as within its dealer network.

Xin says: “We value the skills, commitment, perspective and leadership they bring to the business, and we believe that diverse teams are stronger teams. Empowerment is not simply about representation; it is about creating meaningful opportunities for people to develop their skills, take on greater responsibility and build careers. As the transport industry evolves, we want to ensure that talented women have the opportunity to be part of that future.”

FAW says supporting women in the workplace extends beyond an annual Women’s Month statement, with skills development, training, mentorship and access to leadership opportunities forming part of creating opportunities for career development. Women are also increasingly involved in the dealer network, contributing to customer service and the daily operation of businesses serving transport operators.

Previous Women’s Month initiatives by FAW have highlighted women in leadership and the contribution of female employees at its Head Office, Isando sales and service centres, Parts Distribution Centre and Coega manufacturing facility.

FAW says Women’s Month provides a moment to acknowledge the progress made, while opportunities for women to develop their skills, build careers and take on leadership roles remain an important part of the changing transport and logistics sector.