Celebrating Women’s Achievements
“It’s a fantastic job for women my age,” remarked June Robertson, a veteran bus driver who has witnessed the evolution of the transportation industry for women since she first entered the profession in 1987. Robertson returned to her role as a Lothian driver in 2024, embodying the progress made in gender representation within the workforce.
On March 8, 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced the winners of the International Women’s Day Recognition Awards, celebrating the contributions of women across various sectors. Lucha Villar Galvez received the award in the Leadership category, expressing her gratitude by stating, “I’m honoured to receive the 2026 IPC International Women’s Day Recognition award.” Her achievement underscores the growing recognition of women’s leadership in sports and beyond.
Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, who was awarded in the Emerging Leadership category, shared her pride in being part of a movement that leverages sports to create real opportunities and drive meaningful progress. “I am proud to be part of a movement where sport creates real opportunities and drives meaningful progress,” she stated, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in athletics.
In addition to individual accolades, organizations also played a significant role in the celebrations. World Para Ice Hockey was recognized in the IPC Member category, further illustrating the commitment to promoting women’s participation in sports. This recognition reflects a broader trend of increasing visibility and support for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Rangers Football Club actively participated in the #GiveToGain campaign, which encourages support and upliftment of women through various means. The initiative aligns with the spirit of International Women’s Day, aiming to foster community engagement and empowerment.
As part of their involvement, four academy players from Rangers took on key roles during a matchday to celebrate International Women’s Day, demonstrating the club’s commitment to promoting gender equality in sports. Their participation serves as an inspiring example for young women aspiring to enter the sports industry.
June Robertson emphasized the importance of visibility for women in her field, stating, “The more women drivers we have, the more visible we’ll be and hopefully that’ll result in more women joining us themselves.” Her words resonate with the ongoing efforts to encourage more women to pursue careers in various sectors, including transportation.
The events of International Women’s Day 2026 not only honored the achievements of women like Robertson, Villar Galvez, and Mirziyoyeva but also highlighted the collective efforts of organizations and individuals working towards gender equality. As the movement continues to grow, the focus remains on creating opportunities and fostering an environment where women can thrive.
