Volvo Iron Women are transforming the trucking industry by becoming truck drivers and doing it well; they are being called an asset to companies.
South Africa (24 January 2020) – South Africa has about 14,000 road deaths per year, that is just one of the many statistics related to road safety in South Africa. Another is that women are more responsible drivers, which is why Volvo has invested in the Iron Women heavy-duty truck driving school.
Statistically, women are responsible drivers. They are involved in fewer traffic accidents, use less fuel and breaks, and, therefore, reduce maintenance costs. For this reason, women heavy-duty truck drivers do not only improve business for Volvo’s customers but also save lives on the road.
There are very few female heavy-duty truck drivers around, so the women who graduate from the Iron Women driving school are transforming the industry, making it more inclusive. They are also changing the opinions of many.
#SAINC met Rirhandzu Baloyi, a new qualified heavy-duty truck driver. She, and many of her classmates from the Commercial Transport Academy, were unemployed before Volvo stepped in. By providing training and employment opportunities, Volvo empowers these women, and also uplifts their families and communities.
“Being a woman we experience a lot of challenges. We’ve been through a lot individually. So we appreciate this opportunity. None of us ever imagined ourselves having a code licence”
“Looking back six months ago I’m still surprised. I was just an ordinary woman in South Africa and to have been given this opportunity by Volvo. I am not just an ordinary woman. I am an Iron Woman!” – Rirhandzu Balyoi
Volvo Group base their values on gender diversity, transformation, and acceptance of all. These values are found throughout the business; they also offer an apprentice programme where previously disadvantaged youth are trained as technicians, and then employed in their business. As a result, Volvo’s Iron Women truck driving school and apprentice programmes are leaving this world in better shape for the next generation.
As part of the #SAINC nation-building initiative, Volvo Group is joining a network of purpose-driven brands to share stories of positive progress in South Africa. These stories are being featured across social media in small snippets, just like the one below, but you will also be able to watch the full-length features live on television. You will find the airing times below:
25 January 2020 – SABC2 – 14:30
11 February 2020 – Business Day TV – 16:00
13 February 2020 – Business Day TV – 12:00
Watch a snippet of the story below:
by 