WISTA members came together to celebrate fifth anniversary of WISTA India. The event also reflected the visibility WISTA has gained in the maritime industry
The shipping and logistics sector is among the few industries where women have broken the glass ceiling and are at the helm, steering the industry towards growth and prosperity. WISTA India is a confluence of such dynamic leadership supporting women in the maritime sector. At the 5th anniversary of WISTA India, membership of the organisation came together to celebrate the important role women play in the maritime sector today.
At the outset Sanjam Sahi Gupta, President, WISTA India, dedicated the success of the organisation to each and every member. “The success of WISTA India is due to the memberseach one of them as it is them who makes WISTA India,” remarked Sanjam in her welcome address, as she requested the membership to rise amid a large round of applause, acknowledging the contribution of women in the maritime industry. “It has been an honour to serve as President and now look forward to having the young leaders and members take on the responsibility.”
Anil Singh, Former SVP & MD, DP World Sub Continent, among the guests of honour, appealed to the industry to support WISTA and empowerment of women in the maritime industry which was a cause close to his heart. He pointed out that women have made progress in all fields and gave reference of Nirmala Sitharaman, the current Defence Minister of India who is the second woman since Indira Gandhi to hold this major post.
Capt. Anoop Sharma, CMD, SCI, Guest of Honour at the event, congratulated WISTA India members for successful completion of 5 years and its achievements. He pointed out that in Shipping Corporation of India 20.8 per cent of the staff are women and SCI takes pride in this fact.
“We are here today not only to look back but also to look ahead,” remarked Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, President of WISTA International. “Our sector is faced with new realities due to the fast-technological developments and WISTA should be a part of the discussion. We are at a point where our industry is modernized and we should encompass this change and make it our own. WISTA needs to be there as a voice to be listened to. Change can be good for diversity and the purpose of WISTA must be kept relevant,” mentioned Despina.
Dr Malini Shankar, Director General Shipping, congratulated WIST TA India members for this wonderful accomplishment. Maritime industry is among the few industries that actively promotes diversity and more women are breaking the glass ceiling to rise and take the lead in this dynamic sector.
A booklet on building and maintaining gender diversity on board merchant ships, jointly developed by International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), Anglo- Eastern Ship Management Limited and WISTA International, was released by Dr Malini Shankar.
A panel discussion on “Digital Disruption in Shipping: What happens next?” focused on the growing tech savy workforce that expects seamless connectivity onboard. New digital entrants are transforming traditional relationships in the freight and logistics business. Their offerings built on cloud and connected platform technologies give seamless experience to consumers, resulting in new business models evolving.
