The Panamanian government and the public transit company MiBus will host a specialized job fair next month aimed at recruiting and training women as professional bus drivers. The “Yo conduzco mi vida” (I Drive My Life) fair is scheduled for February 23, 2026, at the 5 de Mayo paid zone platform in Panama City.
This initiative seeks to increase female participation in the nation’s public transportation sector, a field historically dominated by male workers. Officials from the Ministry of Women (Panama) and MiBus are organizing the event to provide formal training and employment opportunities for qualified candidates.
“This is about inclusion and opening new professional paths for Panamanian women,” said a Ministry of Women representative. “We are building a more equitable workforce where women can thrive in roles that move our country forward.” [Translated from Spanish]
Prospective female candidates must meet several key requirements to participate. Applicants need Panamanian nationality, a minimum age of 25, and basic education completed through at least the ninth grade. A critical requirement is possession of a valid type C driving license for at least two years.
Expanding Workforce Inclusion
While the fair focuses on attracting female talent, male candidates will also be permitted to submit their resumes during the event. Organizers emphasize the primary goal remains strengthening the presence of women in strategic development areas.
The campaign operates under the slogan “Mujeres que mueven Panamá” (Women Who Move Panama). It represents a concerted effort to break gender stereotypes in the transportation industry. Similar initiatives have shown success in other countries, gradually diversifying a crucial public service workforce.
“MiBus is committed to this transformative project,” a company spokesperson noted. “We believe in the capacity of women to excel as professional drivers, enhancing our service for all passengers across the Metrobus (Panama) system.” [Translated from Spanish]
The job fair will run from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the specified corridor platform. Successful applicants will enter a formal training program designed to equip them with advanced skills for operating large passenger vehicles safely and efficiently in urban environments.
This partnership between a government ministry and a state-involved transit operator marks a significant policy shift. It directly ties gender inclusion objectives to tangible job creation in a high-visibility sector. The program’s outcomes could influence future hiring practices across Panama’s entire transportation network.