Women in Ports celebrates International Women’s Day

Nearly 100 port and transport professionals joined a recent online Women in Ports meeting to mark International Women’s Day, discussing how the sector can continue to strengthen gender balance, inclusion, and career development.

Participants heard from Karen Fuller from Port of London Authority, who reflected on her career across the transport sector and shared examples of initiatives to broaden participation, including efforts to achieve a more balanced mix of apprenticeship applicants. She encouraged attendees to build confidence in their leadership abilities and develop their own authentic leadership style.

Discussion explored practical ways to contribute with confidence in professional settings, including preparing for meetings, asking clarifying questions, listening carefully, and ensuring space for different voices to be heard.

An update was provided on the Women in Ports mentoring programme, with the first six-month cohort of 30 mentor–mentee pairs continues. The programme is sponsored by Peel Ports, Forth Ports, Port of London Authority, and Associated British Ports. A further cohort is planned once the current cycle concludes.

Participants were also invited to support wider initiatives across the sector, including volunteering as case studies for the Generation Logistics campaign and contributing to the Mental Health in Ports campaign led by Port Skills and Safety.

A further Women in Ports event is planned for September to continue building connections across the port sector.