As part of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality’s women-focused policies, 50 women taking part in the “Bus Driver Licence Training” project are receiving heavy vehicle driving training. Aiming to challenge prejudice in the male-dominated field of transport, the women highlighted the importance of being visible across all areas of public life.

Through the “Bus Driver Licence Training Project”, launched by the Department of Women’s Policies and the Department of Transportation to support gender equality in transport and increase women’s participation in economic life, 50 women were enrolled in heavy vehicle driving training. Following the application process and interviews, the women selected for the project are preparing to become bus drivers through both theoretical and practical training.

As part of the project, 473 women applied between 26 September and 10 October 2025. Following the assessment process, 50 women aged 24 to 35 living in Diyarbakır, actively driving and holding a Category B driving licence were admitted to the programme.

Training continues in five groups

The training, delivered in five groups, began on 9 February. As part of the 16-hour intensive driving programme, the women developed their technical knowledge and practical skills in operating heavy vehicles. The training is scheduled to be completed in the coming days.

‘Women should be present in every field’

One of the participants, Tuğba Bilmez, said the process had been an important experience for her and that the programme had empowered her. Stating that she had felt no hesitation about getting behind the wheel, Bilmez said: “My family was the biggest factor in my joining this training, especially my father. I grew up around large vehicles from an early age because my father was a lorry driver. That’s why I did not feel out of place when I got behind the wheel — in fact, I was not afraid at all.”

‘It has been a very positive experience’

Bilmez said she wanted women to be visible in all areas of public life and added: “I believe women can do every job and overcome every challenge. I would like to thank the Metropolitan Municipality very much for giving us this opportunity. I also wish success in advance to the women who will take part in this project after us. Thanks to our instructors, it has been a very positive experience.”

‘I realised my dream through this project’

Elif Yıldız said that she had been an active driver for many years and saw the project as an opportunity to fulfil her dream of driving a heavy vehicle. Stating that the training process had made a significant contribution to her, Yıldız continued: “I took part in the bus driver training for women launched by Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality and completed it successfully. Thanks to this project, many women have been able to realise their dreams. By taking a seat behind the wheel of a bus, we have also taken charge of our lives and fulfilled our dreams.”

‘It helps break down stereotypes’

Drawing attention to the fact that she had been driving for around 10 years and now had the goal of driving heavy vehicles, Yıldız said: “When I saw this project, I was excited. I applied and was accepted. This project also helps break down stereotypes about certain professions. When women obtain licences for large vehicles such as Category C or D, it challenges perceptions in society. This also gives courage to other women. I hope projects like this will always continue.”

‘We have challenged the perception that women cannot drive large vehicles’

Berfin Bozkuş also said that she had initial doubts when joining the project, but gained confidence by the end of the process. Describing her experience, Bozkuş said: “As a woman, I am proud of myself for having taken part in this project. I believe we have set an example for other women candidates. There was a perception that women could not drive large vehicles. But we proved otherwise. As 50 candidates, we completed the training successfully and without any problems, and we are very happy. We women can do anything in every field. I am already an active driver in everyday life, but being able to drive a large bus successfully made me even happier. When I took the wheel, I felt something completely different.”