APEC framework recognizes women’s role in transportation sector

CEBU, Philippines – An intensive framework designed to meet the needs, as well as empower women in the transport sector within the APEC region was introduced as part of the result of the 9th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting, held in Cebu.

The framework crafted by the APEC Women in Transportation Task Force is seen to recognize the role of women in the region's transportation sector.

Both the Asian Development Bank and International Labor Organization have estimated that women’s limited access to employment causes a loss in economic growth to the Asia-Pacific region of around USD 42-47 billion each year.

“Across the APEC region, women are a critical source of economic growth and prosperity but they must have the opportunity to contribute,” said Susan Kurland, US Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.

“Transportation is a unique sector because it offers two avenues for economic empowerment," Kurland added.

“Women are economically empowered when they work as transportation professionals – they begin as students and continue throughout their careers,” explained Kurland, adding that women are economically empowered when they have access to transportation systems, "whether they are traveling to work or running errands to support their families and communities.”

The framework sets up guidance for the transportation sector to promote education; remove barriers to hiring and entrepreneurship; enhance conditions for the retention of women’s talent; advocate for the development of women leaders; and encourage safe use and access to transportation systems.

Convening at the Women in Transportation Forum under the theme, “Navigating a Way Forward” in Cebu, representatives from private companies, the public sector, multilateral organizations, and non-profit entities explored how member economies and the private sector could use the framework as a way to develop concrete policies and innovative measures to further enhance women’s economic empowerment.

Reminding participants of Leaders’ commitments, Philippine Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya told the group that women’s access to markets and technology eliminate barriers that hinder women’s economic participation, and ensure women’s equal opportunities. This participation benefits innovative development, economic reform and growth.

“A transportation sector that takes into account the requirements of women supports development, employment, and health,” Abaya continued. “Conversely, a transportation sector that fails to address the difficulties experienced by women excludes them.  Inclusiveness and sustainable development go hand in hand.”