Swaniti Initiative and Purpose hosted a dialogue bringing together four women parliamentarians, women truck drivers, and women fleet operators to develop strategies for a gender-inclusive freight electrification roadmap. The discussion highlighted women’s real-world experiences in the freight sector and explored how they can become leaders in India’s clean transport transition.
India’s trucking market is set for rapid growth as economic activity expands. This growth offers a strong opportunity to shift to zero-emission trucks (ZETs) and reshape employment across the sector. A study estimates the trucking industry will create around 30 million jobs by 2050, with ZETs contributing over 21% of these roles. This presents a pivotal moment to address gender gaps and support women across the value chain.
Highlighting this momentum, Saudamini Zutshi, Manager – Partnerships and Business Development, Purpose, noted, “Women’s participation in India’s EV workforce has reached 11–15 per cent. This is an early signal that change has begun.”
Uma Bhattacharya, Trustee, Swaniti Initiative, emphasized that deliberate policies are essential for a gender-inclusive workforce, especially as India builds its new green economy.
Voices from the Ground
Despite progress, challenges continue to limit women’s participation.
Reema Jogani, CEO and Founder of Reema Logistics, shared, “Infrastructure needs improvement—CCTV, secure parking, and better facilities. Women drivers often prefer local routes as it helps them balance responsibilities.”
Electric bus pilot Ummatunbibi Jahangir Shaikh added, “Driving an electric vehicle improved my earnings, but more importantly it brought respect. Many people I meet encourage me, and I can now guide other women who want to enter this field.”
Parliamentarians Call for Action
Hon’ble MP Dr. Fauzia Khan stated that electric vehicles offer a rare chance to redesign systems with a gender lens. She emphasized the need for collaboration between government, industry, and society.
Hon’ble MP Dr. Sangeeta Balwant highlighted the strength of women in the sector, saying, “Driving a truck is no small feat. These women are proving they can take on the challenge and drive real change.”
Hon’ble MP Adv. Priya Saroj pointed out that while policies exist, mindset change and family support remain essential. Visibility of women in these roles is also key to building trust and encouraging participation.
Hon’ble MP Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar joined fellow MPs in acknowledging the participants and assured them of continued support to build a safe and enabling environment for women in the growing EV ecosystem.
Towards a Gender-Inclusive Clean Freight Future
The dialogue showcased how women are already leading change by managing fleets, influencing policy, and driving clean transport. As India moves towards sustainable freight, the core question remains:
How do we ensure meaningful participation of women?
India’s clean freight transition is not only about technology—it is about people. Building a future that includes women from the start is essential for lasting impact.