Iron Women Programme Produces Multiplier Effect On Livelihoods, Industry and Economy 

Shah Alam, Selangor, 5 September 2024 – Women are essential to Malaysia’s social and economic development. In support of developing skilled heavy-duty truck drivers, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks), has introduced its Volvo Iron Women initiative to Malaysia. With the support of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry as strategic partner, Volvo Trucks recently celebrated the inaugural graduation of five women as fully certified heavy-duty truck drivers.

“Volvo Iron Women has enjoyed much success globally and we are very excited to see the opportunities it will unlock with Malaysia as a pioneer of the programme in the Southeast Asia region,” said Volvo Trucks International, Vice President, Johan Selvén, at the inaugural Volvo Iron Women graduation ceremony.

Speaking on the potential of the programme in Malaysia, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell added, “The Volvo Iron Women programme is a testament of our commitment to educating women to qualify as heavy-duty commercial truck drivers. We are deeply encouraged by the support of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in partnering with us to advance the Iron Women programme for the long term. Our Iron Women graduates are truly inspiring and we are honoured to play a part in empowering them to provide for their families and contribute as valued talent in the industry.”

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri, who graced the graduation ceremony, said in her address, “KPWKM’s collaboration with Volvo Trucks through the Iron Women initiative is a shining example of an impactful public-private partnership. I believe we are moving the needle steadily in addressing gender disparities in the workforce. Congratulations to the Iron Women graduates for completing the training with flying colours. Not forgetting also, the support of their family members who enable our Iron Women to give their undivided attention to the training programme.”

The Honourable Minister also acknowledged Taipanco Sdn Bhd, who will be employing the first cohort of graduates, for being among the few industry players to recognise the value of women heavy-duty truck drivers as valuable assets to their fleet.

The Ministry stated that it would lend its support to equip the Iron Women graduates with the knowledge and skills to navigate a male-dominated industry, especially with an awareness to recognise and address any form of gender bias harassment with confidence.

This includes endorsing the Volvo Iron Women programme for counselling and training for gender bias harassment, and provision of a hotline for women drivers in need of counselling or advise should the need arise. The Ministry also stated it would assist in identifying and recommending viable candidates as participants. By integrating a support system for the women, the Ministry hopes to create a seamless and sustainable transition of more women into new economic sectors, especially one traditionally dominated by men.

“We believe that beyond having a dependable truck fleet, nurturing dependable and skilled truck drivers is equally important to sustain our business growth. Being in the logistics industry for over two decades, we see great potential in the empowerment and participation of women to address the industry’s growing demand for skilled truck drivers,” said Taipanco Sdn Bhd, Executive Director, Dato’ Nazari Akhbar.

The Volvo Iron Women programme is designed to empower candidates from end to end, beginning with the undertaking of lessons and examinations through an authorised driving institution to obtain a Class E license to drive heavy vehicles. Following a full health evaluation, candidates then progress to the next stage of obtaining a Goods Driving License (GDL) by attending a seven-hour lecture and theory examination, of which all costs will be borne by the employing company. The GDL is divided into three categories, namely light vehicles, heavy vehicles (kejur) and jointed vehicles (bersendi). The Volvo Iron Women programme in Malaysia is focused on jointed vehicles.

The Volvo Iron Women first cohort of graduates comprises five women aged between 27 years and 40 years. Three of the five candidates are mothers, one of whom is a single mother of five. On their first day, the women came from different levels of experience in the haulage industry, ranging from brand new drivers to existing Class E license holders for Rigid trucks (Kejur).

Volvo Trucks also integrated a three-module course comprising theory, practical and assessment stages which covers all facets of driver training, from compliance, fatigue management, trailer coupling and uncoupling and defensive driving among others. Following their graduation, all five women will be employed by Taipanco Sdn Bhd and on-boarded to be mentored by experienced drivers.

In addition to boosting economic growth, investing in women produces a multiplier effect as women are likely to reinvest a large portion of their income in their families and communities.

Intakes for Volvo Iron Women 2025 in Malaysia have officially begun with two training cohorts scheduled for the first and second half of the year. The initiative aims to empower approximately 100 women heavy-duty truck drivers by the end of 2025.   The duration of the programme can take anywhere from three days, for existing E- GDL license holders with some experience, to eight weeks for non-license holders who are new to driving trucks.

The Volvo Iron Women programme is a global initiative by Volvo Group that was initiated 2016. Today, more than 820 women have graduated under this programme. The introduction of the programme in Malaysia has been well received by a growing number of logistics players as the demand for skilled heavy-duty vehicle drivers is at an all-time high. This is in tandem with the projected growth of Malaysia’s haulage and logistics industry.

To learn more about The Volvo Iron Women, contact Geetha Menon at geetha.menon.c@volvo.com