CIHT has been at the forefront of advocating for greater Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the highways and transportation sector. Recent examples have been our new EDI Strategy. The 5-year long 'shifting the dial' strategy hopes to #breakthebias and outlines an ambitious strategy that will use the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation's (CIHT) position as a strategic influencer and leader in the transport sector to effect change. The signatories to CIHT's Diversity and Inclusion Charter also believe that a commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to reflect the communities we serve. To celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion within the sector we have introduced a new ‘EDI Initiative of the Year’ award to the CIHT Awards 2022. This award recognises employers or individuals that have implemented or been involved in an EDI initiative of merit.

CIHT's CEO Sue Percy commented: 

Each year CIHT celebrates International Women’s Day and we shine a light on the fabulous women who work in the transport infrastructure and planning profession. There is progress being made towards gender equality but we must never be complacent as we know bias and discrimination still exists. So it’s important that we – both men and women - empower and celebrate women’s success and use IWD to come together to make women’s equality a reality.

Traditionally women have been underrepresented in the sector. However, at this time CIHT is uniquely positioned in the sector, with both a female CEO and president. Alongside 4 women on the board of trustees and 5 regional chairs.

CIHT’s female president Deborah Sims shared her thoughts on International Women’s Day: 

“International women’s day is an opportunity to focus on the contribution women make, both at home, and in the workplace. Women are an essential part of the workforce contributing to the economic health of most countries around the world. Women can experience very different attitudes and behaviours from men on occasions, and there still exists significant bias against women in some roles and professions. Women often have to work much harder to gain respect and seniority and are confronted by outdated attitudes and language on a daily basis, and sometimes more serious instances of harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence.

International Women's Day is an opportunity for women to stand up for and demand equality and fairness. And, just as importantly, for men to make their voices heard in defending equality diversity and inclusion in their own workplaces and professions. CIHT has long stood for equality for all our members and indeed the wider transportation sector, and I would encourage you to pause today to think about how you can make equality a reality for all your work mates, and to fight against discrimination and bias wherever you identify it.”

Sue Sharland, Chair of the EDI panel also added:

“International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to focus on the amazing contribution that women make to every aspect of life. But this is not just about one day of celebration. We must continually work to raise the profile of women – in CIHT’s case professionals working in transport infrastructure & services – and ensure that their talents and achievements are recognised.”

Since its birth in the early 1900s, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, International Women’s Day has grown from strength to strength annually and this year is no different as CIHT continues to encourage more women to consider careers in highways and transportation.

Find out more about International Women's Day here and read CIHT's 'Shifting the dial' strategy here.