Page 6 - STAT-March-2024-for-wesbite

coverstory

of community among the young profession-
als in the field,” she said.
She was also both a mentor and mentee
in the Women in Aviation and Logistics
mentorship programme which she ac-
knowledges has enriched her professional
growth and allowed her to share and gain
valuable insights.
“In my perspective, active participation in
both mentorship programmes and network-
ing initiatives has been instrumental in my
journey within the air cargo industry. These
experiences have not only shaped my career
but also provided me with a platform to
contribute to the positive transformation of
the air cargo industry.”
For instance, in a new March 2024 report Along with role models and mentorship
titled ‘Women, Business, and the Law,’ the programmes, the air cargo industry also
World Bank Group reported that the global needs to raise awareness about what it
gender gap for women in the workplace is For decades, the means to work in air cargo, the skills they
far wider than previously thought. need and some of the unique opportuni-
“No country provides equal opportunity industry worked tirelessly ties it offers.
for women—not even the wealthiest econo- to allow women to access For instance, while describing her experi-
mies,” it reads. ence in the industry, Theresa Ferreira, na-
According to the report, women on jobs previously reserved tional air logistics manager of Kuehne+Nagel
average enjoy just 64 percent of the legal South Africa pointed out that “I have never
protections that men do—far fewer than the for men. Quite quickly, the failed because of my gender; quite the op-
previous estimate of 77 percent. organisations recognised posite – my attention to detail and perfected
“Women have the power to turbocharge multitasking allowed me to excel at my job.”
the sputtering global economy,” as the the value of women “Air cargo is a fascinating industry, and
chief economist of the World Bank Group I absolutely love the adrenaline rush, for
Indermit Gill puts it. “Yet, all over the world, working in the offices, on example, when handling special cargo, such
discriminatory laws and practices prevent ramps, as forklift drivers, or as healthcare products. The feeling that I
women from working or starting business- contributed to something meaningful and
es on an equal footing with men. Closing as cargo handlers. Hiring somehow changed the world is priceless,”
this gap could raise global gross domestic she added.
product by more than 20 percent – es- a woman became not a Ferreira also called herself a big fan of
sentially doubling the global growth rate burden because women mentorship programmes.
over the next decade—but reforms have “Sharing experiences with another female
slowed to a crawl.” delivered. is extremely helpful to get a better perspec-
Women also possess the potential to tive and advice. Similar career paths and
turbocharge the global aviation and air cargo Theresa Ferreira development journeys, but also setbacks, are
industry. Even though there are efforts made, Kuehne+Nagel a great start to connecting and building a
the airfreight industry needs to employ dif- models, potentially inspiring other women support network,” she said.
ferent strategies to push this cause including to pursue careers in air cargo. Addition- “We simply must believe in ourselves. I
the identification of role models. ally, raising awareness about the diverse often say, ‘Reach for the sky,’ as there is noth-
For instance, Canada–headquartered GSA career paths within the industry can play a ing to stop or limit me. After all, I am a female;
Airline Services International’s director of crucial role in attracting more women and I am strong,” she added.
marketing Michelle Lawrence pointed out encouraging them to contribute their skills While role models and mentorship
that women who are already working in the and expertise,” she said. programmes are crucial, events, conferences
air cargo sector can significantly impact the Lawrence has co-founded The Cargo Col- and social media can play a positive role in
industry by actively engaging in mentorship lective along with Sara Van Gelder from Nal- promoting the content and attaching more
programmes, participating in networking lian and Sam Quintelier from Brussels Airport global talents to the industry.
opportunities, and involving themselves in which aims to unite and empower the future Joanna Li, executive director - commercial
leadership development initiatives. leaders of the air cargo industry. and business development at Hong Kong
“Their contribution extends further as “Through a collective effort, we aspire to Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) pointed out that
they share success stories and serve as role foster collaboration, innovation, and a sense with diversity and inclusion being more
4 | MARCH 2024 www.stattimes.com