Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping our homes and communities, finding fulfillment in nurturing environments within their households. While these roles are truly valued and important, we also celebrate the diverse talents and capabilities that women possess beyond traditional soft skills.
This March, as we celebrate Women's Month, we proudly acknowledge the remarkable strides women have made across various domains, including traditionally male-dominated industries. Medstar Transportation, for instance, champions inclusivity by welcoming individuals of all genders to participate in its transportation services, breaking down barriers and promoting equality in the transportation sector.
Through its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Medstar provides a platform for women like Brenda Ibarra and Eva Valencia to pursue their passions fearlessly and showcase their skills behind the wheel.
For Brenda Ibarra, a driver at Medstar, this is one of the ways that she can show how passionate women are in pursuing careers that they actually love, even if these careers may not fit what society deems as womanly. Brenda is inspired to persist in this profession because she has the heart for it; she says, "I do love to help seniors and basically [lend a hand to] people who need extra help."
Eva Valencia also shares the same perspective, believing that thriving in a male-dominated profession is not only a challenge but also a significant progress that ignites inspiration for a woman like her. Eva emphasized, “The thrill of navigating roads that I [have] never driven before adds excitement to my role and keeps me eagerly looking forward to the next day," highlighting her passion and determination to overcome obstacles and embrace new experiences.
Of course, breaking stereotypes is not just about sunshine and rainbows. Brenda shared that handling road rage is one of her daily challenges as a woman driver. She faces drivers who attempt to intimidate her, violate speed limits, and give her a hard time on the road simply because of her gender. Despite these challenges, Brenda remains steadfast in her commitment to challenge stereotypes and excel in her profession because she believes that all drivers, regardless of gender, have the same rights as human beings.
As for Eva, one of the common challenges women drivers face in breaking through stereotypes is the lack of empathy from clients. Often, they encounter biases or prejudices rooted in the misconception that women aren't suitable for driving, leading clients to underestimate their skills and capabilities. Doubt frequently precedes trust. However, amidst these challenges, Eva embraces each day as an adventure, eager to meet new faces, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster a more inclusive environment by showing that women can drive excellently.
With Brenda and Eva's insights, it is clear that women belong in the driving scene. Women are not just built to foster a loving home but are also made to ensure a smooth and safe ride by being leaders behind the steering wheel. With this, as women, take Eva Valencia's words by heart:
"Every woman should feel confident in what she chooses as a career."
Let us not be bound by stereotypes. Don’t let it hinder you from fearlessly doing what you love and discovering new possibilities as you drive through new roads and create meaningful connections. Moreover, in the words of Brenda Ibarra,
"Don't be afraid to be out there [on] the road. We (women) are [also] good drivers and can do this job as [well] as any other person."
Persist and continuously challenge stereotypes like Eva and Brenda and ensure that a woman’s presence is felt throughout the borders of the world. Believe that you can drive change and you definitely have the power to make a difference. Show them that women can and women will, especially when controlling the driver's seat; women’s month or not, women can rule the driving scene one trip at a time.
