Women, the conquerors of leading roles

Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Mauritius, in collaboration with the National Women’s Entrepreneur Council & Women in Networking, organised a half-day seminar on Friday 18 August. The event was held at the seat of the National Women’s Entrepreneur Council at Phoenix. Focus on this seminar that sheds light on the professional world and leading roles of women.

Empowering Women to take leading roles… This was the theme of the seminar. Nazeema Seelarbokus, Chairperson of WiLAT, says that the event was held “to create a platform for women to enable them share their knowledge, skills, talents and expertise…” The Seminar has featured keynote conversations, presentations and panel discussions, by a diverse range of female leaders from the worlds of business and academia. It has also aimed at inspiring action and fuelling creative fires spanning four core pillars of WiLAT, namely: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Societal Responsibility. “It has been reported that if women started businesses at the same rate as men, global GDP would be better off to the tune of $28 trillion by 2025. We can only begin to imagine what positive impact this would have had on the planet and all people,” points out Nazeema.

As the business landscape is changing in Mauritius, the organising team wanted through this seminar to empower women to start up their own businesses, and be their own bosses right from the start. Huge investments don’t help women in developing countries into financial independence - microloans and education do. And the dividends paid by this kind of investment have a lasting impact.

Main purpose behind the seminar

“We want to help women who need entrepreneurial education.” This was the main purpose of the seminar. For Nazeema Seelarbokus, no matter where women are, they all share similar experiences and by learning from each other, they can become better citizens of this planet.  Moreover, the seminar provided an opportunity for the members in senior positions to share their knowledge and skills with local women entrepreneurs. It was also an occasion for the women present to learn and collaborate together and create action plans that will take them towards a brighter future.

Weaknesses and strengths of women

The prevailing stereotypes that women in business are too sensitive or just not as competent as men form the frame of the glass ceiling. Therefore, stereotypes are already barriers and weaknesses to women, preventing them from climbing the ladder. Nazeema, however, agrees that the lack of confidence is also the main issue faced by women: “Research shows women doubt their capabilities and fear failure more than men. Training can equip women with the confidence to see bold ideas through.” Nazeema Seelarbokus says beyond doubt that “women have the attributes to be successful entrepreneurs.”

Logistics and Transport

Logistics has an image problem, and is wrongly associated with typically masculine stereotypes. This is the point of view of Nazeema Seelarbokus on the subject. From her perspective, the logistics industry suffers from poor perceptions of its career opportunities, which has led to a debate around skills gaps and a lack of gender diversity. Nazeema states that “the industry is characterised by immense diversity in types of businesses and occupations. However, this diversity currently doesn’t translate to the workforce demographics. The Transport and Logistics Industry is described as being a ‘non-traditional’ employment pathway for women, as the majority of employees are men and there is a perception that most work undertaken is stereotypically ‘masculine’.”

Women are predominately employed in support-related roles such as administration, human resources, procurement and finance.  The most common managerial positions undertaken by women are found in communications, human resources, business development as well as quality and risk management areas.

However, Nazeema points out that the advancements in technology have, arguably, increased employment opportunities for women. Certain technology advancements continue to erode incorrect perceptions that certain job roles are too dangerous or considered impractical for females.

Furthermore, it has been felt that women in the transport and logistics sectors are a small but significant minority and need to be supported. “Such support is likely to be essential in attracting and retaining women in the transport and logistics industry”, says the Chairperson of the WiLAT. Because of the tight recruitment market, growing skills shortages, approaching exit of baby boomers from the workforce, male-dominated image and the overall culture and attitudes within the established workforce, Nazeema agrees that it is difficult to attract more women and retain those women already working in the industry. Nonetheless, the WiLAT is putting in enough effort to change this.

Ariane Goolamhossen, Head of Operation at Aramex: “The seminar has gone much beyond the theme discussed”

“It was an enriching experience.” This is what Ariane Goolamhossen thinks of the workshop. She agrees that the seminar has gone much beyond the established theme: “I believe that the participants will agree that we have learnt a great deal, even on our potential weaknesses. Just like the speakers have so often pointed out, lack of confidence may be our worst enemy.” As the Head of Operation at Aramex, Ariane reveals that at first she has started as an export clerk: “I succeeded in climbing the ladder in the workplace, because my employer believed in my capacities and gave me opportunities to prove myself. I feel lucky to have got a mentor who believed in me.” Besides being given the opportunities, Ariane reveals that she has always received a lot of support to be an achiever in her career. 

Mehda Jungbadoor, Administrative supervisor at Naveo: “Women won’t have difficulties in taking up leading roles”

“Everywhere we see women taking jobs previously dominated by men. This is what Mehda Jungbadoor, an administrative supervisor at Naveo, has observed. According to Mehda, jobs are no more labelled as masculine or feminine, since women are occupying any job position: “We see women working as drivers and in other previously male-dominated jobs. It is obvious that we are not having any difficulty in taking up any role, whether it is a leading or even a simple one.”

Ashwina Sambiah, Communicative Administrator: “The testimonies have motivated us”

According to Ashwina Sambiah, Communicative Administrator, the seminar was very instructive, whether it is in our personal or professional life. “The testimonies of the speakers were really overwhelming and motivating. They have encouraged many participants. We have learnt a lot about ourselves, that is our weaknesses and strengths,” says Ashwina. Since there is women emancipation, Ashwina Sambiah believes that women can of course conquer any field and take leading roles: “We are no more dependent. I strongly believe that if we have a little self-confidence, we can be leaders and achieve in entrepreneurship.” She says entrepreneurship is tomorrow’s economy and future.

Noorzabeen Khodabaccus, housewife: “I believe that women can conquer any field”

She may be a housewife, but this workshop has surely encouraged her in taking initiatives and get out of the home comfort zone. Noorzabeen Khodabaccus acknowledges that the seminar was a mind booster for all. “I believe that there are many job prospects for women and that for sure, we can also occupy leading roles and conquer any fields,” advocates Noorzabeen. The latter has also assimilated every topic discussed during the seminar, such as networking among others. For Noorzabeen, the networking is definitely in the genes of women, since she labels them as ‘chatter boxes’: “We play a major role in networking as chatter boxes and it is very easy for us to get acquainted to any one thereby creating contact.”

Kritisha Caleechurn, owner of a beauty parlour: “A helpful and explicit seminar”

Kritisha Caleechurn is of those who believe that women can have a business of their own without depending on anyone. From her perspective, the seminar was indeed very helpful and explicit for those who had doubts on their own capabilities. “Women tend to have a lot of responsibilities. As a matter of fact, they sometimes doubt that they can work and take leading and important roles. But they don’t realise that at home, they are co-leaders and that they can work as well as take care of their families,” says the owner of a beauty parlour. Kritisha concedes that the workshop will be helpful for all women who attended the event.