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Growing Women in Ports network unites around shared experiences

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Published: Oct 15, 2024

The UK’s Women in Ports Group, the industry network for female port professionals and ‘allies’ across the UK, met in October to discuss the experiences of individuals and organisations in supporting diversity across the port sector.

The growing network heard how the Peel Ports Group is driving culture change through its ‘Everyone is Welcome‘ initiative, and Margaret Llewellyn from the Seaports consultancy and previously senior shipping executive gave an overview of her journey in the maritime sector. Margaret is one of the founding members of WISTA UK (Women International Shipping & Trading Association) and discussed how she came up through the port sector at a time when women were rarely seen, and certainly not in the boardroom.

The network is managed jointly by the UK ports associations: PSS, the UK Major Ports Group and the British Ports Association, under the umbrella of the Maritime UK ‘Women in Maritime‘ Initiative. Following this meeting the group is looking at how to develop further and will explore opportunities for peer to peer mentoring and support in the future.

Commenting on Group’s aims, the network’s Chair and PSS CEO, Debbie Cavaldoro, said:

“It’s great to see this network really establishing itself and providing women with a safe space to talk about their individual journeys and inspiring others to realise their potential. This latest meeting really demonstrated ‘see it to be it’ and showed that women can be successful right at the top of the ports sector.

“The Peel Ports network also demonstrated that ports are committed to driving equality and support women working in ports. We are now looking for more women to come forward to share their work journey to inspire others.”

The Women in Ports network seeks to develop and affect change in the ports industry. Women working in ports in any capacity are invited to join the network by emailing any of the port associations or joining the is a LinkedIn network Women in Ports Group. The network hosts in-person and online meetings alongside Women in Maritime gatherings.

There are 125,000 people employed at UK ports whilst the number of female employees is certainly growing the number of women in all sector remains a minority and this group aims to provide a safe space for women and allies to discuss issues facing the industry. The next meeting will be early in the new year and will hear from other women in the sector about their personal journey and career path.

To join the network email info@portskillsandsafety.co.uk.

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