The task of sticking road studs, or rather reflective signs, is not only for men; It is also work done by women. In this story we tell them how they do it and, after this effort, they managed to climb a professional step in their lives.
News Colombia.
In a little-recognized corner of Colombian roads, essential work for road safety is carried out with dedication and courage by women like Gladys Doraida Ruales.
Their task is as vital as it is dangerous: sticking road studs, those small reflective signs that guide drivers and warn of danger on the road.
Although this job often goes unnoticed, without it, the roads would be a much more uncertain and dangerous place.
On many roads in Colombia, especially the busiest ones, speed bumps are a crucial tool for driver safety.
These small signs, colored white and red, serve to indicate the correct direction and alert drivers to potential dangers, such as sharp curves or U-turns.
Gladys, along with her team, dedicates her workday to ensuring that these studs are in place, reflecting light in the dark and reducing the risk of accidents.
In one of her days, Gladys explains the purpose of these roadblocks: “The white ones shine when you are going in the right direction, but if you are going in the opposite direction, the red one illuminates you, signaling that you are going the wrong way.”
This is just one example of how this work, which seems so simple, is essential for the proper functioning of the country’s road system.
The Training and Empowerment of Women in Road Infrastructure
Gladys is not only a dedicated worker, but also an example of improvement. After years of experience in the field, she decided to continue training and in 2024 she graduated as a road infrastructure technician, along with her daughter, in an achievement that reflects the empowerment of women in areas traditionally dominated by men.
In a ceremony full of emotion, Gladys received her diploma as a backhoe loader operator, a specialization that makes her a fundamental piece in the world of Colombia’s road infrastructure.
“It is an achievement, because there are many things we have on the way, and we have to work hard to achieve what we want,” said Gladys, who, in addition to her dedication to working on the roads, has achieved a balance between her professional life and his family.
This is a program called Women All Terrain, which leads the Pacific Road Union Roadof which all the women who receive their diploma and go to work for the road infrastructure in Colombia are very proud.
A work of change and hope
Gladys’ story is just one among many others of women who, day after day, carry out invisible but fundamental work for the common well-being.
Thanks to them, Colombian roads are safer. However, her work is not limited to just placing studs or signage: “This job has changed my life, because now I feel more pressure with my family, they take more into account of me,” says Gladys, who recognizes that her effort has been seen and valued by both his family and his community.
