Last week the Scotland hub hosted celebrations at the Scottish Parliament for its second anniversary.
Launched in 2021 during the pandemic with over 100 people attending the online launch, the Scotland Hub has since grown from strength to strength, offering a diverse range of activities to members and contributing behind the scenes to regional programmes. Examples of initiatives include several audiences with senior female leaders in the transport industry, walking tours and professional development seminars. Behind the scenes we continue to engage with a range of organisations to support greater balance in the industry. We have for instance contributed to the Women's and girls' views and experiences of personal safety when using public transport research commissioned by Transport Scotland and to a podcast by the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Association, the Road Safety Hour.
Last week we were thrilled to celebrate our second anniversary with over 60 guests and MSPs from across the transport industry. First, our sponsor Natalie Don MSP provided a welcome address and Women in Transport President Jo Field shared information about Women in Transoprt and her presidential priorities as well upcoming projects. Then Women in Transport volunteer Fiona Brown chaired a panel discussion with a fantastic range of speakers
Shgufta Anwar – Founding Director, Women on Wheels
Gemma McLoughlin – Engine Watch Rating, Calmac
Paul Lawrence – Executive Director of Place, City of Edinburgh
Jenny Gilruth MSP – Minister for Transport, Scottish Government
The panel shared anecdotes on their career journey in the transport industry, gender balanced representation at different levels within organisations and the importance of mentorship and allyship. answered questions from the audience, which ranged from recognising the importance of unpaid labour through to the role of technology. Sonya Byers, CEO of Women in Transport, closed the panel discussion with some key takeaway points and invited all guests to network over drinks and canapes.
Thanks again to our speakers, and to our generous sponsors Transport Scotland, Aecom and Momentum Transport Consultancy . Thanks also to the wider Women in Transport team for their support and training. Lastly, thanks to all those who joined us and have supported us over the past two years.
We are always delighted to welcome new Women in Transport members, volunteers and partners. If you’d like to become a member, you can sign up to the network via the website here or contact us at scotland@womenintransport.com.