BSEC-URTA Advances Regional Cooperation to Strengthen the Role of Women in Road Transport
The BSEC-URTA Working Party on the Role of Women in Road Transport convened on 28 September 2026 under the chairmanship of Ms. Elizabeta Ivanovska, bringing together members and regional stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to advancing women’s participation in road transport and logistics.
The meeting featured a presentation by Ms. Aizhan Beiseyeva, Chairperson of Women in Trade & Logistics Partnership (Women in TLP) – Central Asia & Caucasus, who introduced the platform’s regional initiatives and explored potential avenues for cooperation with BSEC-URTA, including joint activities, knowledge sharing and stronger professional networks.
The meeting also welcomed Ms. Druselia Betea, Head of EWELLIN – The European Wellbeing Initiative, powered by ESPORG, whose presentation examined barriers faced by women in professional road transport and highlighted the importance of safer working environments, wellbeing, inclusiveness and improved conditions to attract and retain women professionals.
In addition, Ms. Viliana Ivanova from AEBTRI highlighted the outstanding achievement of Bulgarian professional truck driver Ms. Desislava Yordanova, winner of the Trimble Driver of the Year Award 2026.
During the meeting, participants expressed their special appreciation to BSEC-URTA President Mr. Eduard Kasa and Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uylukcu for their personal commitment and support in advancing initiatives, dialogue and consultations aimed at strengthening the role of women in transport across the BSEC region.
The Secretary General also highlighted the International Secretariat’s recent contribution to the UNESCAP Subregional Capacity Building Workshop on Advancing Sustainable Transport Corridors to Strengthen Inter- and Intra-regional Connectivity, where BSEC-URTA showcased its experience in gender mainstreaming and promoted regional cooperation to increase women’s participation in professional road transport. The presentation brought BSEC-URTA’s initiatives to the attention of stakeholders from Central Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the importance of sharing good practices through international dialogue and cooperation.
The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat extends its sincere gratitude to all members for their initiatives and continued engagement, to Ms. Ivanovska for her leadership of the Working Party, and to Ms. Beiseyeva and Ms. Betea for their valuable contributions and presentations.
On behalf of the BSEC region, BSEC-URTA warmly congratulates Ms. Desislava Yordanova on her achievement and thanks Ms. Viliana Ivanova for helping bring this inspiring example to wider attention, Mr. Kenan Gurbanov for his support to the BSEC-URTA Working Party. BSEC-URTA will continue to strengthen regional partnerships, share good practices and support concrete initiatives towards a safer, more inclusive and more attractive road transport sector for women.
