WiLAT sensitises women participation in logistics and transport industry

Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) the women's wing of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has organised a health walk to sensitise and create awareness for women participation in activities in the logistics, transport and supply chain industry.

The walk was in commemoration of WiLAT's founder’s day celebration.

The logistics and Transport industry has over the years been a male-dominated industry with few women having the opportunity to enter.

To break this condition, WiLAT has put in place activities to train and encourage professionalism in the transport and logistics industry through mentorship, leadership, empowerment and entrepreneurship for women.

Speaking in an interview with Dr. Doreen Owusu-Fianko, President of WiLAT-Ghana, she mentioned that, there is the need for industry players to take into consideration women role hence; few women in the industry must be made to serve as role models for others.

She indicated that, much is being done in both international and local level to whip up women participation in the logistics and transport industry. Dr. Doreen Owusu-Fianko said, the organization is putting in place mentorship, leadership, and empowerment and entrepreneurship programs for women in the industry to train and equip them to exhibit professionalism in their field of work.

Mr. Ebo Hammond, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-Ghana), also pointed out that women have great talents and that talent must be harnessed to the benefits of all.

He averred that the situation of men dominating the logistics and transport industry has much to do with the rampant accidents on our roads and that if women are given the chance to operate in the industry, accidents could be reduced since women are more careful and meticulous when driving.

“Because women are more careful and more meticulous, they have comparative advantage when it comes to working in the logistics and transport industry,” he said.

Mr. Ebo Hammond also indicated that industry players, transport owners and operators should look for women, train them and allow them to work in the industry so as to build the needed professionalism needed to grow.

He said, women are the focal point when it comes to development and that the industry cuts across road, air, sea and rail and that there are many opportunities for women to enter.

He also appealed to government to build and develop the skills of women to take up roles and duties in the logistics and transport industry.

WiLAT was launched globally in June 2010 in Sri Lanka with a Mission to promote the status of women in Logistics and Transport and to bring together those who support talent and career development of women and to provide support network and mentoring.

It was launched in Ghana on December, 5, 2013 under the auspices of CILT Ghana.