Maersk has become conscious of the important role women play in achieving sustainable development in the global economy, said Anita De Werd, head of Marketing and Business Development for Maersk Africa.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, when she paid a courtesy call on Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, founder of Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), Maersk has made a public commitment to empower women in trade, by signing a significant agreement with SheTrades Global.
She pointed out that the SheTrades initiative, launched in 2015, seeks to connect one million women entrepreneurs to the global market by 2020.
De Werd, who is also the global head of Marketing for Safmarine, commended WILAT for championing the course of women in the transport and logistics profession since its establishment in 2013.
She said Maersk’s vision was to be the global integrator of container logistics, and thus seeks to transform the industry.
According to her, Maersk believes diversity and inclusion are key levers to strengthen business results in the markets where it operates.
“Our company creates an inclusive culture where employees from various backgrounds are encouraged to contribute to their fullest. In doing so, Maersk has established itself in a prime position to attract people from a wide talent pool, specifically, increasing the gender and nationality diversity at senior levels in the organisation,” she added.
Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, WILAT founder, said the body, which is an arm of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), was set up to promote the status of women in logistics and transport and to bring together those who support talent and career development of women.
She said WILAT also provides a support network and mentoring opportunities for women in the transport and logistics sector. “Our vision is to be the most sought after for advocacy, professionalism and empowerment of women in supply chain, logistics and transport.
Ali-Ibrahim, who is also the outgoing Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, said WILAT is present in 22 countries with more than 5,000 members.
Amaka Anagor-Ewuzie
