African Woman Anchor Themselves in Maritime sector

Women are not only occupying all levels of management in the maritime industry, but are also making a profound mark in the maritime sector. The 3^rd African Women in Shipping Conference, to be held in Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, in Durban on Monday 27^th   to Wednesday 29^th of August 2012 will  address integration of women in maritime. Robust discussions on crucial issues such as enterprise development, job creation, infrastructure development, education and training, and the impact of women in the sector will dominate the sessions.

One of the outcomes of the conference is the mentorship programme, which has a worldwide track record of success; the programme enhances the absorption and advancement of women in the maritime sector. This outcome mirrors the conference’s objective of promoting integration of women into maritime and learning from other countries who have implemented such an initiative. The main aim is to obtain key lessons that could be adapted to the South African context.

Ahead of the conference on the 15^th of August WISTA South Africa and the eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) will host a breakfast at the Hilton in Durban. At the breakfast delegates will be briefed about the conference, nominations will be done for the new WISTA South Africa secretariat and True Personality of the Year. This international accolade is awarded to honour women who are making an indelible mark in the maritime sector, and will be presented at the conference’s award gala dinner on the last day of the conference.

The conference will not be without influential guest speakers from countries across the African continent such as Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Angola, Nigeria and Ghana to mention just a few. In just two months from this conference WISTA South Africa will be represented on a global scale at WISTA’s international annual conference happening in France in October later this year.

About WISTA

WISTA is an international organisation for women in management positions   in maritime transport business and related trades worldwide.

WISTA aims to be a major player in attracting more women to the industry and supporting women in management positions. With networking, education and mentoring in focus we enhance the capacity of women and empower career success.

Issued by: Sibonakaliso Msane- Programme officer

eThekwini Maritime Cluster169 Maydon RoadMaydon Wharf4057Tel: 0760724617E-mail:  msane@maritimecluster.co.za

Contact

Ms Thato Tsautse: Chief Executive OfficerSouth African Association of Ship Operators and AgentsDerby Downs, 6 Lakeside Office Park, Suite 4,University Road, Westville, 3629P O Box 1635, Durban, 4000TEL: +27 31 266 1384FAX: + 27 31 266 1447Email: thato@saasoa.comWebsite: www.saasoa.org.za