Women in Ports network puts a focus on mentoring

To mark International Women’s Day, UK Major Ports Group, British Ports Association and Port Skills and Safety hosted the third Women in Ports webinar – part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness, share experiences, and promote greater inclusion across the port sector.

The session brought together over 130 participants from across the industry to discuss key challenges and opportunities for women working in ports. Central themes included the importance of mentoring, supportive networks, and inclusive leadership.

Michelle Robson, Chief People and Compliance Officer at PD Ports, reflected on her career journey and the barriers women still face in traditionally male-dominated sectors. She spoke candidly about gender bias, work-life balance, and the need to retain and support women in operational roles. Michelle also highlighted the impact of visible role models in inspiring future generations and driving cultural change.

Chris Hatter, Head of Compliance at Portsmouth International Port, shared his experience with mentoring programmes, stressing the value of diverse mentoring relationships – including male allies – in helping women progress in their careers. He emphasised the impact both structured and informal support can have.

Helen Thomas, Head of Property, Wales and Short Sea Ports at Associated British Ports (ABP), described how informal mentoring, though not recognised as such at the time, played a significant role in her development. These experiences inspired her to help launch a formal mentoring programme at ABP, which she described as deeply rewarding. Helen underscored the lasting impact of both formal and informal mentoring on confidence, progression and enjoyment at work.

Karris Rowbotham, HR Manager at DP World UK, reflected on her experiences and presented insights on DP World’s global mental health mentoring scheme, which allows mentees to choose male or female mentors. Karris also cited a recent McKinsey report which noted a rise in microaggressions alongside a decline in women-focused mentoring – calling for a shift from unconscious bias training to “conscious inclusion”. She advocated for a sector-wide mentoring initiative, particularly to support young women entering the industry.

There was strong interest among attendees in creating a sector-wide mentoring scheme, with many recognising its potential to retain talent and strengthen the future workforce. The session closed with a clear appetite for continued collaboration and collective action to improve gender representation in ports.

Women in Ports network

The Women in Ports network is jointly managed by the UK ports associations – PSS, UK Major Ports Group, and the British Ports Association – under the umbrella of the Maritime UK ‘Women in Maritime‘ initiative.

Following this latest meeting, the group will build on promoting the importance of mentorship and diversity in the maritime sector through their networks and other initiatives.

The network aims to drive meaningful change across the ports industry. Women working in any capacity in ports are warmly invited to join. The network hosts both in-person and online events and participates in wider Women in Maritime gatherings.

The next meeting will be held in person during London International Shipping Week.

To join the network, contact us directly or join the Women in Ports Group on LinkedIn to stay updated.