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CILTSA Announces Stellar Speaker Line-up for Women’s Empowerment Conference

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The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) is delighted to unveil an impressive roster of speakers for its upcoming Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference, which takes place on 25 October 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg.

The event promises to deliver invaluable insights and inspiration under the theme “The How-To’s of Success for Women.”

Catherine Larkin, Executive Director of CILTSA, emphasises the conference’s significance: “This event is a powerful platform for addressing the persistent gender gap in our industries. By bringing together accomplished women leaders, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of female professionals in logistics, transport and supply chain.”

Diverse range of speakers

The day-long conference will feature a diverse array of successful women in the industry. Headline speakers include Dr. Norah Fakude, Executive Chairperson of Buscor; Mihlali Gqada, Freight Specialist at the Department of Transport; Glenda Maitin, Founder and CEO of BB Opex; and Muriel Sahd, Business Development Officer at BidAir Cargo.

These industry leaders will participate in a motivational fireside chat, sharing their journeys and strategies for success.

Additional notable speakers include Mrs. Maphefo Anno-Frempong, the CEO of Transport Education Training Authority (TETA); Devlyn Naidoo – Executive of SARS and OGAs at the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF); Bernadette Zeiler, CEO of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Regina Naicker, Head of Business Development for Africa at Castrol SA; Florence Musundwa, Executive Director of Reign Supreme Holdings; Nobantu Mqulwana, Founder of Rising Tide Advisory Services Solution; and Shevon Kotiah, National Category Planner at Famous Brands.

The conference will cover a wide range of topics crucial for women’s advancement in the industry, including presentation skills and stage presence, support systems and resources for women in the sector, negotiation techniques, work-life balance and lifelong learning, financial planning and budgeting, and emotional intelligence and leadership.

Rising representation

Women currently comprise approximately 30% of the logistics workforce in some African countries, including South Africa. This is a notable increase from just 8% globally in 2010, highlighting a growing trend towards gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field.

However, despite this positive development, challenges remain. Women often face obstacles such as unconscious bias, lack of mentorship opportunities, and traditional gender roles that can hinder their career advancement. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustaining progress and ensuring that women can thrive in logistics roles across South Africa.

“Our goal is to not only inspire, but to provide tangible tools and connections that will help women overcome these challenges and thrive in their careers,” Larkin adds.

Beyond the speaker sessions, the conference will feature networking activations, all designed to foster connections and create a supportive community among attendees.

Registration and thanks

CILTSA extends its gratitude to the event sponsors, NMU Business School and JC Auditors, for their support in making this impactful conference possible.

Interested participants can find more information and register at www.cvlc.co.za/registration

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the leading professional body for everyone working in supply chain, logistics, and transport. With a global presence in 35 countries, CILT is committed to improving industry practices and nurturing talent.

 

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