Brussels, 23 June 2026
The European Wellbeing Initiative, powered by ESPORG with the support of the European Commission, today announces preparations for the third year of its flagship “Drive Safe • Park Safe • Work Safe • Live Well” Wellbeing Campaign**, with a powerful focus on “Work Safe”.
This year, the Initiative is making a bold commitment: dedicating the entire 2027 campaign to the wellbeing of female truck drivers. Truck drivers already face significant daily challenges — long hours, time away from family, demanding conditions, and high responsibility. For women, who represent just 4% of Europe’s truck drivers, these challenges are often amplified by additional barriers including safety concerns, lack of adequate facilities, and male-dominated cultures.
“Truck drivers already navigate tough realities every day,” said Druselia Betea, Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative. “Women drivers face even more. We want to truly listen to their experiences, understand their specific needs and aspirations, and work together to elevate their wellbeing. Our goal is clear: make truck driving a more attractive, respectful, and supportive profession for women — and ultimately for everyone in the sector.”
Europe is confronting a critical truck driver shortage of over 426,000 unfilled positions in 2024, projected to exceed 745,000 by 2028 due to an ageing workforce. Women have demonstrated they can be part of the solution: studies consistently show female drivers achieve superior safety records with lower accident and violation rates. Yet barriers remain high. The Volvo Trucks survey of 231 female drivers across 10 countries revealed stark realities: lack of respect (70%), safety concerns (53%), inadequate toilets (63%), and showers (57%), along with work-life balance struggles and industry image issues.
Launch of the Women Wellbeing Working Group
To address these challenges head-on, the Initiative is launching the Women Wellbeing Working Group — an inclusive, collaborative platform open to women and men alike. It unites signatories of the Wellbeing Pledge with leaders from trucking companies, hauliers, freight forwarders, shippers, insurers, trade unions, parking operators, authorities, and the wider supply chain across Europe (EU and non-EU countries).
The Group will carry out in-depth Europe-wide research using a mixed-methods approach:
– Quantitative surveys of female drivers (with male comparisons)
– Qualitative focus groups and interviews for nuanced insights
The research will focus on listening deeply to women’s voices and identifying practical ways to improve facilities, safety, work-life balance, policies, training, and workplace culture. Findings will feed directly into new wellbeing training programmes that promote gender inclusion and a genuine “home away from home” environment for female drivers and all workers in the sector.
Key milestones include:
- End of June 2026: Invitations and registration open here
- 16 July 2026: Official kick-off
- July 2026 – January 2027: Data collection across the continent
- 3 March 2027: Presentation of results and dedicated Women Wellbeing Panel at the ESPORG Conference, launching the third year of the campaign
Expected Outcomes
Evidence-based recommendations to boost recruitment and retention, enhanced safety and wellbeing standards, practical industry solutions, and a strengthened pan-European dialogue that advances gender equality while addressing the driver shortage.
“By listening carefully and acting decisively, we can create real change,” added Druselia Betea. “This is an invitation to all stakeholders to join us — to contribute insights, lead focus groups, and help shape a future where female drivers feel safe, respected, and valued. Together, we will make the transport sector more attractive, safer, and more inclusive for women and for all.”
Call to Action
All interested parties — companies, organisations, and individuals across the transport and logistics chain — are invited to join the Women Wellbeing Working Group. Participation includes disseminating surveys, organising focus groups, and contributing to training development.
Register here by the end of June 2026.
To get involved or request more information, please contact: d.betea@esporg.eu.
The European Wellbeing Initiative believes that when women drivers thrive, the entire industry moves forward — safer, stronger, and more resilient.
About the European Wellbeing Initiative
Powered by ESPORG and supported by the European Commission, the Initiative promotes a human-centred approach to transport through the multi-year “Drive Safe • Park Safe • Work Safe • Live Well” Campaign. It fosters collaboration to improve safety, wellbeing, inclusivity, and the attractiveness of the profession in line with EU priorities on gender equality and sustainable mobility.
Media Contact
Druselia Betea
Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative
Email: d.betea@esporg.eu
