ESHOT’s “Drive for Equality” project receives grant support from Europe

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality ESHOT General Directorate has developed the “Drive for Equality” project to increase the employment of female drivers and to raise awareness of gender equality. The project submitted to the French Development Agency (AFD) was accepted. Under the signed grant agreement, AFD will provide 100,000 Euros in non-repayable financial support for the project, which includes various training processes.

The “Drive for Equality – Employment of Female Drivers” project, prepared by ESHOT General Directorate to strengthen awareness of gender equality in public transportation and ensure that women have a greater presence in this sector, is being implemented. ESHOT management has signed a grant agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) for the implementation of the project.

The signing ceremony held in Istanbul on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of AFD was attended by ESHOT General Manager Turgay Bozoğlu, Deputy General Manager Çağrı Çelik, Strategy Development Department Head Kader Sertpoyraz, and Human Resources and Training Department Head Ferit Yüzer. The contract was signed between Bozoğlu and AFD General Manager Remy Rioux. The Ambassador of France to Ankara, Isabelle Dumont, also attended the signing ceremony. Under the agreement, AFD will provide 100,000 Euros in non-repayable financial support for the project, which includes various training processes.

Bozoğlu: “It will be an example for Turkey”

In his speech at the ceremony, ESHOT General Manager Bozoğlu emphasized that the project will be an example not only for Izmir but for Turkey due to its multiplier effect. Bozoğlu stated, “We know that the level of civilization of a society is measured by the value it gives to women. Every woman serving as a driver will add value to herself and will be an important example for supporting the country’s development and illuminating and elevating society. The project aims to break down existing prejudices in society, empower women, and ensure that the public transportation sector is included in their career plans. In this context, a campaign will be organized to raise awareness among women who want to become bus drivers in our institution and in society. A ‘Female Driver Academy’ will be established to provide theoretical, technical, practical, and field training to female driver candidates applying through the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality website and IZMIR AŞ, in cooperation with universities and driving schools. Finally, a symposium is also planned to share the project experiences with other cities, receive suggestions, and prepare an academic publication with the data obtained,” he said.

Number Exceeds 200

The number of female drivers within the ESHOT General Directorate has increased to 203 with the latest recruitments. Thus, the target of 200 set for 2024 has already been reached. The institution will continue to employ female drivers who meet the appropriate criteria and successfully complete the training and examination processes under the Drive for Equality project. Details about the project and application requirements will be shared by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.