The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) is proud to announce its second Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference. Themed “The How To’s of Success for Women”, the event takes place on Friday, 25 October 2024, at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg.
“We recognise the crucial role women play in the success of these vital industries,” says Catherine Larkin, Executive Director of CILTSA. “However, despite their growing presence, women remain under-represented, particularly in leadership positions.”
Addressing the gender gap
This conference directly tackles this gender gap. While women comprise a significant portion of the global supply chain workforce (around 41%), leadership roles remain heavily male-dominated (only 23% of Vice President-level positions are held by women, according to consulting firm Gartner). In South Africa specifically, women make up only 28% of the logistics and transport sector workforce.
A recent survey by the Professional Body for Supply Chain Management (SAPICS) highlighted persistent gender inequality within the profession. According to the survey, 64% of female respondents reported experiencing or witnessing gender discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, 36% of women indicated that salaries for men were higher in their organisations, and 70% had encountered resistance when leading male colleagues.
This underlines the necessity for events like this conference to address these disparities and promote a more equitable industry landscape.
More than just statistics
The conference goes beyond statistics. “Our aim is to foster a supportive community through networking, mentorship, and the exchange of best practices, all with a dash of inspiration and entertainment!” explains Larkin. “By bringing women together from across transport, logistics, and supply chain, it allows them to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. This collaborative environment is key to inspiring the next generation of female leaders. It’s all about empowered women, empowering women!”
This event aligns with the broader industry goals of promoting diversity and inclusion. The conference aims to provide a platform for addressing gender issues by equipping attendees with the tools and networks necessary for overcoming these challenges.
Empowering women for a brighter future
The CILTSA Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference is a significant step towards a more diverse and inclusive future. By equipping women with the skills and resources to succeed, the conference empowers them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential, ultimately making a greater contribution to the South African economy.
The aims of the Conference are to connect women to tangible business opportunities, share knowledge, tools, and resources for empowerment, foster collaboration amongst women within the sector and unite African female business owners and women in business.
The event is aimed at women entrepreneurs in transport, logistics, and supply chain, and women in business.
Programme topics include:
- Fireside Chat: My journey and how I did it.
- Captivate the Room: Owning your stage and mastering presentations
- What’s out there to support women in transport, logistics and supply chain?
- Make your voice heard at the table: Honing negotiation skills.
- Power up your career: Lifelong learning and strategies for work-life balance.
- Investing in you: Budgeting basics for a brighter financial future.
- Blooming bold: Cultivating confidence through mentorship and networking.
Register now
For more information, including registration details, please visit www.cvlc.co.za/registration
“Together, we can empower women to lead the future of logistics, transport, and supply chain in South Africa. In a fast-changing industry, our strength is in how we work together and harness capability,” concludes Larkin.
The event is sponsored by the NMU Business School and JC Auditors.
About CILTSA
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) supports the professionals who plan the systems, who bring in the raw materials, who manage the movement of people and goods, who ensure safety standards, maintain mobility, and keep the economy working.
We are the leading professional body for everyone who works in supply chain, logistics and transport. We are a global family, representing professionals at all levels across all sectors, with a mission to give individuals and organisations access to the tools, the knowledge and the connections vital to success in the logistics and transport industry.
Founded in 1919 with a mission to improve industry practices and nurture talent, our Institute supports over 35,000 members in 35 countries. Through our educational suite, our strong community and our commitment to high standards, we help professionals at all levels to develop their careers and access better jobs.
Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Forum: WiLAT is the international women’s forum within the CILT. Since its formation in 2013 WiLAT has gone from strength to strength, and now supports over 1,600 members through 22 national chapters. WiLAT’s mission is to promote the status of women in the supply chain, logistics and transport industry, to bring together those who aid the career development of women, and to provide a support network for women in the sector.
Young Professionals (YP) Forum: Through our YP Forum, we provide enhanced networking and support opportunities for members in the early stages of their career. Members are able to meet face to face and share experiences with their peers and use digital channels to seek out advice and best practice from a wide array of industry perspectives.
________________________________________________________________
Issued by:
Contact Persons: Catherine Larkin – CVLC Communication
Telephone: 087 133 0525 / 083 300 0331
E-mail: ca*******@cv**.za
