### 47-Year-Old Woman Lands Her First Job as a Truck Driver
In an inspiring milestone, Ximena Parra, age 47, has secured her first paid position as a truck driver. This opportunity arose from a drive to empower women and reshape public perceptions surrounding female drivers.
“You feel like you’re on top of the world when you’re behind the wheel of these massive trucks,” Ximena enthusiastically remarked.
Ximena is a recent graduate of the “Women Behind the Wheel” program, which she discovered on social media. Enrolling in the program was a natural choice for her, given her long-standing fascination with driving large trucks.
Over a rigorous two-and-a-half-month training period, participants learn to operate both freight and passenger vehicles. They also attend empowerment workshops aimed at boosting self-esteem and personal growth.
“You see it as a work opportunity because the training is excellent, and the instructors are top-notch,” Ximena shared.
Although some of her friends jokingly call her “a little crazy” for pursuing a truck-driving career, Ximena hopes to change their minds and the broader stereotype that women can’t drive.
“I want women who get behind the wheel to feel more secure, knowing a woman is driving. I want to change their gender perspective, so they feel more confident,” she added.
Alejandro Arregui Ibarra, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Baja California, noted that Ximena is one of the 11 women who graduated in this fourth cohort, bringing the total number of female drivers in the state to 66.
“It’s a program focused on job inclusion and entrepreneurship, giving them all the tools they need to take the wheel,” Arregui Ibarra stated.
He also mentioned that the program provides free driving licenses to participants. The next round of training will commence in September, with plans to offer courses in electric vehicle operation as well.
### Increase in Female Truck Drivers in Baja California
The trend of women entering the trucking industry is on the rise in Baja California. The growing number of female truck drivers is not just a testament to the changing times but also a significant push towards job inclusion and empowerment.
According to recent reports, there is a shortage of over a thousand truck drivers in the region, highlighting an acute need for more operators. The “Women Behind the Wheel” program aims to bridge this gap while promoting gender diversity in the industry.
In addition to becoming truck drivers, many women are taking up roles in various sectors that previously seemed inaccessible. Such programs are proving crucial in challenging societal norms and empowering women to pursue careers of their choice.
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