Girl power in the workplace

A mix of freedom and adventure

“We experience so much,” says Ina. “Sunrises, Ghent Festivities, chance encounters... we always have a front-row seat.” Vanessa adds: “Being on the road gives me peace and energy. No four walls, no work that lingers in my mind. When my shift is over, I'm really done.”

The varying hours also give them freedom. Ina: “Because of my early or late shifts, I'm often home for half the day. That makes it possible to combine work with family and hobbies.” Vanessa: “I can exercise whenever I want and, thanks to my hours, I even have time for a flexi-job.”

Strong behind the wheel

“Female drivers used to be rare. People would shout ‘it's a woman!’ in Ghent, but now nobody bats an eyelid,” laughs Ina.

Vanessa: “You grow into the role. When I can park my big bus perfectly in a difficult spot within a minute, it gives me wings. Sometimes I think: wow, I did that!”

Making a difference on every trip

Vanessa: “Using your antennae is what makes you a good driver. Recently, two Italian tourists got lost. By calmly repeating myself, I was able to direct them to the right stop. It's nice to be able to help people like that.”

Ina: “I once had an elderly man on my route every day. It turned out that the bus was the only way he could visit his wife, who had dementia. That's when you realize how important public transport is.”

Moving forward together – also on March 8

For us, International Women's Day is above all a moment to reflect on what we have already achieved and where we still want to go: more women behind the wheel or in the workplace, more women in management positions, more role models like Ina and Vanessa. And above all: an organization where everyone feels welcome!

Ina: "It's a job that gives back a lot. A coffee at the end stop, a little chat in between... we have fun. I even met my two best friends at De Lijn.