Land and Sea Shipping is driving change by introducing new initiatives to support women, as the logistics sector continues to break down gender barriers.According to general manager Kershania Naidoo, the company has increased training programmes for women and actively encourages its female employees to participate in industry events. “While the freight industry has traditionally been male dominated, more women are now stepping into various roles, including leadership positions. The change has been gradual, but the industry is becoming increasingly inclusive,” she told Freight News. “Women are particularly under-represented in operational and technical roles, but more commonly work in administrative and customer service positions. We're working to change this by encouraging women to explore all areas of the industry.”Naidoo said women often faced challenges when entering the sector. The perception of the industry as physically demanding is a deterrent, while limited leadership opportunities and gender bias also impact women. “Balancing work and family life can also be tricky, especially with roles that require extensive travel,” she said.She highlighted the importance of change and gender diversity in the workplace. “Women bring valuable perspectives, like a collaborative approach and strong organisational skills. They often excel in customer relationships and offer fresh ideas, especially in areas like sustainability.”Furthermore, the logistics sector has many great female figures who have played important roles in building the industry. “At Land and Sea we have inspiring female leaders who have been critical in driving the company’s growth. The new perspectives women offer cannot be underestimated,” said Naidoo.She added that the company continued to develop policies to boost gender diversity, including setting diversity goals, offering diversity training and creating successful female networks. “Mentorship and networking are key for career growth. They provide guidance, knowledge sharing, and open doors to new opportunities. We encourage women to get involved in both. At Land and Sea Shipping, we believe diversity drives innovation. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to our success. Skills in data analytics, supply chain management, and tech integration are in demand. Women with these skills, plus strong communication and leadership abilities, can find great opportunities in our industry.”
