The who’s who in Africa’s transport industry gathers in Durban to award women in the industry

A delegation of Africa’s foremost maritime industry professionals and a distinguishable line-up of thought-leaders will be in Durban on 18 October 2016 to recognise, reward and celebrate women who have made great strides in the transport industry across the continent.

According to Stats SA, females comprised only 22% of the transport labour force in 2008. Six years later (2014), they comprised only 20%. African women are significantly under-represented in the transport sector. For example in South Africa there are currently no female ship owners or ship builders and given that only 7 to 12 % of African engineering students are women, it should not be a surprise that a very small percentage of marine engineers are female.

However, according to the Executive Director, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Ms Catherine Larkin: “Women who have succeeded in the industry need to share their story and show others that it is possible.” Larkin continues saying that inspite of the limited progress in improving female participation in transport, women can still manage to survive and thrive in the industry. There are many “good news” stories about women who although facing many challenges, have made it to the top.

According to Awards Director, Ms Athi Myoli, the Women in Transport Awards was created to honour our unsung heroines for their outstanding achievements in Africa’s transport sector. We will honour executives who have positively contributed to the development of the rail and maritime industry in Africa.

Master Mariner and Ship Surveyor at the port of Durban, Captain Thembela Taboshe believes recognition of effort in any platform has a profound effect in encouraging its people to always do more. “Sometimes all one needs is just to know that their hard work and compromise, or maybe their idea- whatever it may be, is recognised and appreciated – the best of luck to all our nominees.”

Larkin and Taboshe are both judges for the awards amongst other esteemed representatives from a cross spectrum of industry heavyweights, including the Mauritius Ports Authority, Transnet Freight Rail, Transnet Port Terminals, Namport, Port of Ngqura and others. The awards are segmented into seven categories to cater for female contribution across the broad spectrum of the transport industry. The final deadline for accepting nominations is 1 September 2016 and nominations can be done online.

Event dates and location:

Co-located with African Port Evolution and African Rail Evolution
Date: 18 October 2016
Location: Durban International Convention Centre

Event website and nomination submissions: www.womenintransport.co.za