Blog: How we’re inspiring inclusion this International Women’s Day

08 March 2024

This International Women's Day (IWD), we at Peel Ports Group are sharing stories from our colleagues who champion diversity and foster inclusion across our business.

Aligned with the 2024 IWD #InspireInclusion theme, we aim to spotlight the importance of women feeling valued, understood, and welcomed to help create a more equitable world for everyone.

At Peel Ports, we recognise the significance of gender equity. Through our Gender Committee—a dedicated network of colleagues committed to encouraging more women to enter and thrive in the ports and logistics sector—through this group we have started to implement initiatives enhancing diversity and inclusion.

To embrace this year’s #InspireInclusion theme, we asked members of our Gender Committee to share their efforts, perspectives, and successes in promoting gender diversity and nurturing inclusivity within our business:

Vikki Whitfield, Operations Director at Peel Ports Logistics and lead Gender Champion:

  1. Q) What is Peel Ports’ Gender Committee?

“Last April, we started our Gender Committee by reaching out to colleagues internally who were passionate about championing gender equality. In our first meeting, we had a discussion about the obstacles women face and brainstormed ways to remove the barriers and mae improvements. Since then, we've been meeting regularly, hashing out plans to create a more inclusive environment. It's all about building a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued."

 

Charlotte Havers, HR Business Partner and Gender Champion

  1. Q) What initiatives has Peel Ports put in place to foster greater gender inclusivity?

 "We're focused on making sure everyone feels valued and included here. One way we're doing that is by recruiting Early Careers Ambassadors who are reaching out to schools, colleges, and universities providing an insight into what we do andinspiring young people into a career in our industry and showcase how rewarding it can be to work for us.

For the women already part of our team, we're working hard to support them in a male-dominated environment, which can sometimes feel very daunting. We've set up the 'Women in Peel Ports' network as a place for them to connect, share experiences, and lift each other up"

 

Amy Gillespie, Operations Manager and Gender Champion

  1. Q) What is Peel Ports Group doing to celebrate IWD?

“Peel Ports Group is celebrating International Women's Day by amplifying the voices of talented women in our business. The company's ‘Women in Ports’ network has organised a special podcast featuring insightful stories and experiences from women leaders across the business and our industry. It's the third podcast they've put together, following the success of the mental health and menopause awareness podcasts, aimed at driving inclusion, support and wellbeing in our workplace.”

 

Zoe Melling, Purchasing Coordinator and Gender Champion

  1. Q) What does #Inpsireinclusion mean to you?

“#Inspireinclusion means to me that if we can all inspire women to be themselves and value each other equally, the world would be a better place if we achieve this”

 

 

 

Lauren Caldwell, Head of Logistics, Peel Ports Logistics and Gender Champion

  1. Q) What is the one piece of advice that you would give to young women?

“Believe in yourself. With hard work, determination and a positive attitude you can succeed in your obtaining your dreams, keep breaking down barriers and power through any obstacles. You hold the key to your success, believe in yourself fiercely and go earn whatever it is you desire.”