This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women entrepreneurs and business leaders whose influence extends beyond their own careers, women whose vision and courage open doors for others and help shape an entire industry.
Across the global industry, women in road transport are leading businesses and opening doors.
Meet eight of them.
The sister effect: women inspiring women
Wanja Kiragu, from Kenya, is the CEO and co-founder of SAFARI.
Why road transport?
“I joined the industry thanks to my sister, Sofia Getambu, who invited me to work alongside her.
“At the time, in 2008, Sofia was already pioneering load-matching solutions, tackling one of the industry’s biggest inefficiencies: trucks moving empty while demand exists elsewhere.
“Her work showed how practical innovation could improve efficiency and unlock greater earnings for truckers.
“But more importantly, it was an opportunity to strengthen the entire trucking industry.
“That early exposure would later inspire me to co-found SAFARI.
“Today, SAFARI is building Africa’s trucking ecosystem to enable safer operations, advance professionalism, and improve profitability for truckers and fleet owners.
“Recognising the full needs of truckers, SAFARI provides integrated infrastructure, financial services, technology, and business support that empower transporters to build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
“By supporting truckers holistically, not just as drivers, but as entrepreneurs, SAFARI is helping transform trucking into a more professional, efficient and economically empowering industry across Africa.
“What began as the influence of one sister has grown into a mission to empower thousands around Africa.
“The sister effect continues, now at ecosystem scale.”
Biggest challenge?
“One of the greatest challenges is building in an industry where earnings are under constant strain.
“Fragmentation has led to inefficiencies. Pricing is driven more by survival than sustainability.
“This makes transport increasingly costly to operate – and less profitable for the operators and investors who sustain it.
“As a woman building in this space, you quickly learn that resilience is not optional.
“You stay focused on long-term value, even when the environment is difficult.
“You learn to build systems and partnerships, quickly realising that innovation is essential.
“You also learn that progress depends on collaboration.
“You cannot transform this industry alone.”
Your message to women?
“This industry is far broader than most people realise – with that comes immense opportunity.
“Women are already participating across the value chain.
“At our truck stops, women supply food, cleaning products and other essential services.
“There are women who own trucks, women who drive trucks, and women building businesses that support transport operations.
“The scope for participation is wide and continues to grow.
“My message to women: There is space for you here. Be innovative. Build partnerships. Stay consistent.”
From boyfriend to husband to seeing the joy of our customers
Helen Bergh, from Sweden, is the Vice CEO and co-owner of MK BUSSRESOR AB.
Why road transport?
“I joined the industry when I was 18. My then boyfriend, now husband, had just started the bus company MK Bus Travel. I’ve been in the industry ever since.
“I get a lot of energy from meeting our customers – seeing how they enjoy our travels.
“This has kept me going all these years.”
Biggest challenge?
“A major challenge is attracting new, younger bus drivers.
“Plus, as a small family business, there are significant regulatory challenges.
“Winning public transport contracts is a challenge. Many contracts require very high turnover.
“This demand from public transport authorities and municipalities makes it nearly impossible for smaller companies to even enter the public transport tender market.”
Your message to women?
“Our industry is fun and exciting.
“For female entrepreneurs, there are great opportunities to shape and develop an important industry.
“And the bus and coach industry needs more women!”
Stop thinking this is a man’s industry
Paulina Muñoz Mortara, from Mexico, is the Administrative Director of Transport Mumor.
Why road transport?
“I was born into it.
“When I was 14, my parents bought their first two trucks and we – my mother, my brother, my father and I – founded our company.
“My father was General Director and Vice President of CANACAR for over 30 years.”
Biggest challenge?
“The loss of my father – my boss and mentor – two years ago.
“Continuing the company without him physically present, especially in an industry that never stops, has been incredibly difficult.
“Despite the sadness and grief, we could not pause for a moment.”
Your message to women?
“Stop thinking this is a man’s industry – get involved so that perception can change.
“Always prepare yourself. “Surround yourself with people who know more than you.
“Have the humility to learn from others.
“Trust yourself and your abilities.”
Don’t mimic old models
Qian Zhang, from China, is General Manager of IRU member HPF.
Why road transport?
“Road transport is the global economy’s vital link.
“I believe that a woman’s perspective – focus on detail, safety and relationship-building – could bring meaningful change to a traditionally male-centric industry.
“I want to help build a smarter, more reliable, and service-driven future for logistics.”
Biggest challenge?
“The greatest challenge was overcoming the stereotype that this industry isn’t for women.
“I focused on proving that success is built on professionalism, innovation and systematic management – not gender.
“By implementing digital systems, standardised processes, and transparent services, we’ve redefined what a modern logistics company should look like.”
Your message to women?
“Join us.
“The industry is evolving and needs diverse thinkers and leaders.
“Don’t mimic old models – bring your unique insight, resilience and collaborative strength.
“Step forward not just to take a seat, but to help shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and intelligent future for logistics.
“You are needed here!”
A natural process
María Jesús Caro Abascal, from Spain, is the co-owner of family-owned passenger company Autocares Paulino
Why road transport?
“It wasn't a one-off decision, but a natural process.
“For my family, transport was a way of life.
“My father founded the company. From a very young age, my sister and I experienced the industry from within.
“We both studied subjects unrelated to transport, but our connection to the company was always there.
“Our entry was not immediate or imposed; it was gradual and deliberate.
“Since childhood, Sundays meant learning – accounting lessons, reviewing collections, helping with small admin tasks, cleaning buses and coaches, etc.
“Over time, the company grew, and so did our responsibilities.
“There is something deeply vocational in our dedication. Transport is a service to society.
“Every day we carry thousands of people, each with their own story, dreams and responsibilities.
“It’s a great source of pride.”
Biggest challenge?
“The pandemic. An unexpected challenge impossible to anticipate.
“We had to reinvent our company overnight.
“Shifts were redesigned, temporary layoffs implemented, disinfection protocols introduced, and bus occupancy reorganised amid ever-changing regulations.
“We took decisions with incomplete information. Things changed daily.
“There was enormous emotional and professional pressure.
“I remember many days of uncertainty, even tears before work, feeling I was managing a situation no one truly knew how to handle. “It was an extremely difficult but transformative year.
“I discovered a strength I didn't know I possessed.
“I learnt that, even when things are unpredictable, consistent work, responsibility and adaptability pay off. We emerged stronger.
“This showed me that leadership is not about having all the answers but staying the course when no one else does.”
Your message to women?
“Road transport has traditionally been male-centred.
“But the ability to lead, organise and manage is unrelated to gender. It’s about preparation, dedication and commitment.
“If you're passionate about the sector and ready to take on the challenge – go for it. It’s a dynamic field that directly impacts society.
“Running a transport company involves managing people, adapting to technological and regulatory changes, and balancing economic sustainability and social responsibility.
“It's demanding but incredibly rewarding.
“More than ever, our sector needs diverse talent. What matters is not who leads, but how they lead.
“When work is done with rigour and vision, the result speaks for itself.”
Female drivers were a foreign concept
Revathi Roy, from India, is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Hey Deedee: India's first all-female, last-mile delivery company.
Why road transport?
“I was at an all-time low in my life. The only skill I had was driving. So I decided to drive a taxi.
“I quickly realised the potential of growing this business by recruiting other female drivers. That’s when I started the delivery company Hey Deedee.
“The challenge? There weren’t many women in India who both wanted to become a driver and had the skills.
“So I started setting up the whole process: from driver training to vehicle acquisition.
“We quickly went on to train hundreds of women in India.
“Many not only drove for Hey Deedee but also became drivers for multinational delivery companies.
“Paving the way for female delivery drivers and empowering them to make a living has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”
Biggest challenge?
“Money, like in any business, was a huge challenge. But so was the lack of professional female drivers.
“The very idea of female drivers was foreign to many.
“We had to start everything from scratch.
“But once we got going, we really got going. Training more and more women.”
Your message to women?
“Dream – and dream big my sisters!
“With determination and some support, you can make a living and feel the joy of empowerment.
“The road transport industry is huge, and women make up a very small part of it.
“There is immense room for growth!”
The biggest challenge was my age
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women entrepreneurs and business leaders whose influence extends beyond their own careers.
Marta Gamón, from Spain, is the Director of Grup Gamón.
Why road transport?
“Actually, it was not the initial plan. I was headed towards marketing after completing my undergraduate and master's degrees at Esade.
“I once helped my father with a small feasibility study for a night bus service. It was a one-off task, more as family support than a professional project.
“But as I started analysing the market, understanding the operations, and seeing the real impact transport has on people’s lives, I became completely hooked on the sector.”
“I discovered that transport is not just logistics: it’s strategy, it’s management, it’s people, and it’s a service.
“That is when I understood that I could contribute and, at the same time, continue the family business.”
Biggest challenge?
“More than being a woman, the biggest challenge was my age.
“I started very young in a sector where experience carries a lot of weight. Most of the people I spoke to had been in the industry for years, if not decades.
“The key is to listen, learn quickly, and combine respect for experience with a desire to innovate.
“It is not just about knowing the theory, but understanding the operations, speaking the same language as drivers, technicians and suppliers, and making sound decisions.”
Your message to women?
“Don’t limit yourself by what is typically expected.
“Transport, like any industry, needs talent, vision and leadership – and that has no gender.
“Get training, seek support, build networks, and above all, believe in your abilities.
“There are more and more women in our sector, and that opens doors and transforms the industry into a more inclusive, diverse model.”
From 3 vehicles to 115!
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women entrepreneurs and business leaders whose influence extends beyond their own careers.
Karolina Kobierecka, the CEO of RubinTrans Sp. z o. o., is a marvel – she never has time, yet somehow always finds time for everything.
Perhaps, or rather certainly, every woman has this ability – though no one really knows how it works.
Why road transport?
“My husband’s parents founded RubinTrans in 1993. We specialise in refrigerated transport.
“His family were previously involved in trading fruit and vegetables and owned a truck. That was enough to learn the specifics of transporting such products.
“This made it much easier for them to spread their wings and grow.
“When we got married, RubinTrans had three trucks.
“I wanted to help and implement my own ideas.
“From the very beginning, the company became the apple of my eye.
“My husband and I very quickly divided our responsibilities.
“He knows trucks inside out. So he dealt with loads, drivers and all mechanical matters.
“I, on the other hand, focused on what I enjoy most – precision, accuracy and calculations – and took over administration.
“At the beginning of our journey, we never thought we could build something so impressive. From 3 vehicles to 115!
“Today we are responsible for more than 170 employees, including around 140 drivers.
“We have employees who have been with us for over twenty years.
“I believe it is important to have time for them.
“Of course, there is never enough time.
“But I would like to smile at each of our employees every day, ask them how they are doing, whether everything is fine with them and their families, and answer all their questions.”
Biggest challenge?
“The first moment of doubt came quite early.
“One of our trucks was stolen. It was simply taken from our yard together with the trailer and goods, which at that time were very valuable.
“We had to pay for the lost goods, which was an enormous sum for us back then.
“We were truly frightened and became much more cautious afterwards.
“Later, we were hit by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine – both remain extremely challenging for our industry.
“Those two events were emotionally very demanding for us.
“The job was somewhat calmer before.
“Everyone remembers how that time felt.
“But we didn’t give up – just as we have not given up for over thirty years.
“I feel that we grow stronger with each passing year.”
Final words?
“What makes us happiest are all those satisfied people around us who come to work smiling and say they feel good here.
“For us, that is the greatest reward and proof that we are moving in the right direction.
“I can honestly say we have nothing to be ashamed of.
“On the contrary – I am proud of what we have managed to achieve.”
