We're back with another article in our Women in Trucking series! As discussed in a previous post, Women in Trucking: 6 Important Safety Tips, being a female truck driver comes with a unique set of challenges. Although women have been a key part to the freight industry since it was born, they make up just 10% of all truck drivers.
In the best-case scenario, women are treated as equals, with the same dignity and respect shown to their male counterparts. In the worst-case scenario, their safety is threatened or compromised. More often than not, it is men - or a subset of men- who mistreat them.
It is also men who not only have an ability to help make the environment better for women, but a responsibility. Whether or not you've been a direct part of the problem, you have an obligation to be part of the solution to bring gender equality into the industry. It takes every single man to get involved. From actions big and small, there are many things you can do to cultivate an environment where women can feel safe and comfortable. Here are 8 ways male drivers must be an ally for women on the road.
1. Make space for women in the industry
It all starts with your mentality. As a male truck driver, you likely are used to the industry being and feeling male dominated. It's important to open up your mind and create space for women to not only exist in a world where trucking is safe for them, but thrive.
We all have unconscious biases that have been formed by our respective cultures and environments, things like the stereotypical gender stereotypes that driving is a man’s job, and that a woman belongs at home. These thoughts, perceptions and images are of course wrong, and even if you know that that, they can still come into our minds sub-consciously. It's important to recognize when that happens and commit to consciously counteracting these thoughts through behavioral change.
The industry is not only for men. There is plenty of room for women, and other non-binary genders - in fact, the future of it relies on diversifying the industry. As a male, it starts with you. Your belief in this matters, and once you internalize it, your actions in being a strong ally and encouraging others to follow suit will make all the difference.
2. Understand and prevent sexual harassment
Many male-dominated industries like trucking are struggling to catch up when it comes to training, policies, and procedures that cover issues specific to women. As a result, sexual harassment remains a top concern for female drivers.
Nearly every woman in trucking has experienced at least one incident that meets the criteria of sexual harassment, and some report that sexual harassment is a near-daily occurrence.
Sexual harassment can come in the form of verbal, physical, using a position of power, unwanted advances, or exposing oneself. These are some of the most frequent examples of sexual harassment in the workplace:
- Telling explicit sexual jokes or stories
- Making sexually-explicit comments to or about women
- Displaying sexually-explicit images
- Making remarks that a person is not suited for a job or activity because of gender
- Staring or leering
- Repeatedly requesting dates or sexual favors after the woman has said no
- Offering rewards for participating in sexual activity
- Retaliating after a woman refuses to go on a date or participate in sexual activity
- Unwanted touching in any form
Sexual harassment is against the law. People who violate sexual harassment regulations can face serious financial and legal consequences - not to mention harm to their reputation. Additionally, in some cases, the people behaving in a harassing manner aren't even aware that their actions are problematic, though this is never an excuse for this behavior.
Men must be an ally to women as it relates to sexual harassment by changing the environment to make sure that women do not have to be subjected to this type of treatment. Ensure you are never engaging in this type of behavior. Stay vigilant to make sure others are not engaging in it either. Take an online course to better understand what sexual harassment is and how to prevent it. Lead conversations with family and friends to discuss and raise awareness about it. Don't listen and laugh along when others are behaving inappropriately - call them out on it so that it never happens again.
3. Watch your language
Speaking of remarks based on gender, it’s critical that you be aware and cognizant of the language you use. Do you consciously or unconsciously speak in a condescending tone or use stereotypes? Are you guilty of "mansplaining" to women? If so, your use of language gives the impression that your female peers are less capable and less qualified than their male counterparts - an opinion that is categorically untrue.
Strike these phrases from your vocabulary:
- This is men's work.
- You wouldn't understand.
- A woman shouldn't be doing that.
- Calm down.
- You are being too emotional.
- You are overreacting.
- Lighten up.
- Learn how to take a joke.
Such phrases directly or indirectly suggest that you don't see your female peers as capable professionals, which only perpetuates gender inequality. Remove jokes or humor from your vocabulary just to try to get others to laugh. It’s wrong, childish, and embarrassing.
In addition, when men are uncomfortable or unsure about what to say to women, they often fall back on remarks about physical appearance and personal habits. That's not appropriate when it comes to the female drivers you meet on the road.
Avoid comments like these, even if your intentions are good:
- You should smile more.
- Have you lost weight?
- I can't believe you ate so much!
- Is that all you are going to eat?
- That's not ladylike.
- A real woman would/wouldn't __
- You look great for your age.
It should go without saying that specific remarks about body parts or intimate activities are strictly off-limits - to any woman, and especially while on the road. Along the same lines, avoid remarks that diminish, belittle, or otherwise question female drivers' femininity - for example, describing women as "butch".
If you're unsure of what to say to a woman, rely on standard small talk to fill awkward silences, like the weather, road conditions, and similar. If you want to pay a compliment, keep it centered on work-related skills, behavior, and characteristics to ensure female drivers feel comfortable. Instead of patronizing remarks, stick with talking shop, relating your experiences, and listening respectfully to any tips, tricks, and best practices she chooses to share.
You have a choice with every word that comes out of your mouth. Be sure that you're carefully choosing words, phrases and tones that support, encourage, and lift women up. Lead by example, because when your male colleagues see you making an effort to be cognizant and respectful with your words, they'll follow.
4. Be extra observant at night
Female drivers are often most at risk at night, when they're parked and off duty. Tune in to the scene around you and stay alert and aware for any men partaking in inappropriate or questionable behavior. If you see or suspect something, say something.
Keep your distance from women and give them the space they need to carry on without feeling threatened or watched. Don't approach them from behind, whistle at them, or make any remarks about them that could be perceived as threatening or inappropriate.
Be cordial to women and if you believe you may do so in a friendly and helpful way, offer your services as an escort. However, if she turns you down, respect her boundaries, as she may have another plan to stay safe.
5. Offer Backup when Needed
The sad reality is that most women in trucking have run into extra challenging situations on the road. Even if a woman is equipped to handle herself, it doesn't hurt to have allies who have their backs. After all, there is power in numbers, and diffusing an issue early can keep it from escalating into dangerous territory. Simply ask, "Do you need backup?" - and if so, provide it with your physical presence.
6. Make it Your Business
There is a lot to be said for minding your own business, but when it comes to the safety of your female peers, it is your business. If you witness an assault or you suspect one is occurring or about to occur, intervene or get help right away. Again, if you suspect or see something, say something! Trust your gut. Your voice and actions could save her from an unsafe situation, or even save her life.
7. Increase representation of your fleet
Owning a trucking company isn't easy in the best of times, and the past few years have been particularly difficult. In addition to all of the obstacles the industry faces from a logistics perspective, there simply aren’t enough drivers to get the job done.
As an employer, you can be an ally for female truck drivers while simultaneously building your business. When expanding your fleet, make it a point to recruit women for open positions. They are out there and ready to drive, but they often get overlooked during the hiring process. Through thoughtful representation, show that women are welcomed, encouraged, and supported.
Once you have increased the diversity of your team, be sure to make adjustments to policies, procedures, and practices. Prioritize safety, taking into consideration the special challenges women face when driving alone, and enforce basic standards of professional behavior for all of your employees.
8. Commit to being an ally every day
Don't wait for a big, dramatic event to happen to demonstrate that you are an ally for women in trucking. Day in and day out, it's critical that you show your commitment to your female peers. It all starts with you, and with one action at a time, to start changing the needle.
Stand up for women. Express enthusiasm for women in the industry and encourage them through the tough times. Invite female voices in to provide input, share ideas, and discuss what they have learned through their experience on the road.
And remember, if you suspect or see something, say something. If you hear someone else say something belittling or demeaning about or to a woman, don't stay silent. Correct them. Encourage them to be respectful and change their perception and words.
Each and every man in trucking has a role to play here in bringing gender diversity into the industry. Each time we combat our prejudices, or speak up when we hear others put women down, or say something when we see an unsafe situation, we start to move the needle. It's simply the right thing to do. The future of the industry, and our society, depends on it.
There are many more ways for men to be strong allies in trucking. Share your ideas with us in the comments!
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