Overview 

Join the Conversation

The transport sector is the backbone of modern economies, yet it remains one of the most gender-imbalanced industries. Women in Transport’s groundbreaking Motherhood Penalty report shines a spotlight on the systemic challenges faced by women working in transport—from stalled career progression to workplace bias and lack of flexible support. This upcoming webinar offers a vital platform to unpack the report’s findings, share lived experiences, and explore actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Why this webinar matters

Whether you're a policymaker, HR professional, industry leader, or transport worker, this session will deepen your understanding of how motherhood intersects with workplace culture, retention, and leadership pathways. The webinar will be chaired by Deborah Sims, South East Committee EDI Officer and former president of the CIHT with a presentation by Women in Transport report leads: Joanna Hill and Shireen Ali-Khan: who will be joined by a colleague from the report sponsor Kier in a stimulating, solution-focused, panel discussion.

Be Part of the change

This is more than a discussion—it’s a call to action. By attending, you’ll join a growing movement committed to dismantling barriers and driving systemic change across the transport sector. Let’s reimagine what a truly inclusive workforce looks like, where motherhood is not a penalty but a strength. Reserve your spot today and help shape a future where every journey—professional or personal—is supported and valued.

Why you can't miss this event

• Excellent CPD opportunity
• Gain essential insight into Women in Transport’s groundbreaking Motherhood Penalty report
• Q&A with a panel of expert speakers
• Free to attend for CIHT Members

Who the event is for

This event is open to all and will cover all transport sectors in the UK, with members of CIHT and Women in Transport encouraged to attend.

About the speakers 

Joining us for this event will be:

• Deborah Sims, CIHT South East Committee EDI Officer and former CIHT President who will chair the panel discussion
• Joanna Hill, Women in Transport report co-lead joins us as a co-presenter and panel member
• Shireen Ali-Khan, Women in Transport report co-lead joins us as a co-presenter and panel member

Deborah Sims 

Deborah Sims is a former CIHT President and has served the CIHT South East committee in a number of roles, currently holding the committees EDI Officer post. Deborah will be the host of the session and chair of the panel discussion with our two guest speakers. 

She is a Chartered Engineer with experience in road safety engineering, highway design, asset management and maintenance, and engineering education, currently working as the Academic Lead for Civil Engineering at MKCTS Ltd providing Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes to the RSME at Brompton. Her role includes course design and delivery for Royal Engineers under training to become Chartered Engineers.

Shireen Ali-Khan

Shireen Ali-Khan is Director for Intersectionality, Co-Facilitator of Women in Transport’s Lead Programme and host of the Women in Transport Podcast. She has helped shape landmark white papers on the motherhood penalty, menopause, and intergenerational workforces always pushing for brave, human-centred leadership.

Known for her warm, bold, and no-nonsense style, Shireen creates spaces where people feel seen, challenged, and inspired to act. She blends lived experience, behavioural insight, and deep listening to spark meaningful change.

Outside of Women in Transport, she runs Active Consulting and created the 12 Minute Hero method, to improve engagement, wellbeing, and behavioural change. 

Joanna Hill

Joanna Hill is the North West Regional Lead with Women in Transport, a not-for-profit whose mission is to empower women in the industry to maximise their full potential. Joanna is also an engagement specialist with a foundation in inclusion, customer experience and company culture. She currently works as Group Marketing and Communications Manager for the Martin Group of Companies, a leading provider of services for the country’s transport infrastructure.

She is passionate about celebrating the achievements of women in the transport industry, creating spaces where stories can be shared, and facilitating courageous conversations that bring about tangible change and raise organisational standards.

Take action: Record your CPD

CPD is defined as any activity that provides new knowledge or skills that help you to achieve your professional development goals or has otherwise helped you to develop as a highways and transportation professional.

Plan, record and manage your CPD for free at CIHT Learn.

Need help with getting the most out of your CPD access CIHT’s CPD Guidance here.