Gender equality and diversity are still challenges to be conquered in the world of work and the automotive industry is no exception. Currently, less than 1% of National Interjurisdictional Transport Licenses (LiNTI) are held by women, according to data provided by the National Road Safety Agency (ANSV).
These data are complemented by those provided at the end of 2021 by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security of the Nation, which warns that of the 310,644 jobs in the land transportation sector, only 7% (20,666) are women.
This sector includes urban and suburban automotive transportation services for merchandise and animals; passenger motor transport; and other transportation services such as school, freight and moving.
In particular, the freight transport sector was traditionally dominated by men. However, in the middle of this landscape, two Latin American women emerge: Andrea Paredesin Argentina and Luciana Carneiroin Brazil, the only instructors of truck driving across Volvo globally.
Volvo Group, one of the pioneers in promoting gender equality and diversity since 1943, has set ambitious goals to achieve a more balanced workforce: by 2040, the 50% of its staff of collaborators is made up of women.
Heavy inheritance
Luciana and Andrea’s stories stand out not only as inspiring examples of self-improvement and dedication in a predominantly male environment, but also exemplify the convergence of three core values for Volvo: inclusion and diversity, efficient and safe driving, and training.
With a career of almost seven years at Volvo, Andrea Paredes He found his passion for trucks from an early age, influenced by his father, who was also a truck driver.
Since joining Volvo in 2017, Andrea saw first-hand how gender does not determine treatment within the company: “I have a colleague with whom I share trips, training and meetings, and the tasks are distributed equally, having a relationship of peers that develops normally.
For its part, Luciana Carneirowith vast experience in logistics and occupational safety, discovered her passion for trucks also since she was a child: “I have always been fascinated by large vehicles. I learned to drive with a truck that my father had. And my brother always loved it. “They have been passionate about Volvo trucks, and that infected me and my father. We were mechanics on the weekends and we liked machines and engines. We went to truck races when they were in the city. From then on this love began.” .
With a year and seven months at Volvo, Luciana also remembers how she ended up behind the wheel of a truck: “I needed to have a license to drive trucks, because I needed to do safety training with those units. That’s where it started. There, as we say in Brazil, it was ‘ low hillside.’ He didn’t stop anymore.”
Andrea Paredes has worked at Volvo Trucks since 2017.“For me, being an instructor at Volvo is a A dream come true, it took me 10 years to get this position. The brand’s values are in line with mine, so it is something fluid and gives me a lot of peace of mind to do the necessary work,” Luciana elaborates.
Paredes, meanwhile, encourages women to follow their passions and overcome obstacles: “I would say to women that the important thing is to do what they want, what they are passionate about, because when one pursues that goal the obstacles or challenges become minors. It doesn’t matter if there are no women in what they want to do or if it costs them a little more to reach their goal; “There was always a pioneer who led the way and we currently have to be the precursors for the women of the future.”
Carneiro, for his part, emphasizes the importance of perseverance and focus: “To not be afraid, prepare, know the routine, the challenges. And never give up. With focus and objective we always achieve what we want. Be honest and sincere and everything will come in due time.”
Both agree on the importance of promoting safety and efficiency in driving. Andrea points out: “As an instructor I feel that we transmit the values of safety and efficiency in transportation every time we give our instruction courses. The purpose is for the driver to apply these principles when driving.”
It took Luciana Carneiro 10 years to get the driving instructor job. Luciana complements this point by highlighting the need to apply knowledge in practice: “The main idea when training someone to drive a truck is the practical application of all the knowledge covered in the course, that is, for the driver to always achieve efficient and safe driving using all the technology that our vehicles have.”
Regarding the evolution of the role of women in the industry, Andrea states: “Yes, the evolution of the role of women in this industry is evident. We have already reached high positions, such as Luz Elena Jurado (President of Volvo Trucks and Buses Argentina).”
Luciana supports this idea, noting: “Definitely. Every day women are more present in industries. Their profiles are excellent for everyday industrial use. They are strategists and challengers. Everything we need to change and innovate.”
Despite the challenges that women still face in the automotive industry, both in Brazil and Argentina, Luciana and Andrea are living examples of how determination and commitment can overcome gender barriers.
