Feature / 07 Mar 2025

Women At Work

How the gender mix enriches the workforce

Whether they’re boarding ships off the coast of Brazil, connecting with energy projects in the seas of Scotland, coordinating complex logistics moves in Malaysia or providing office-based support across the board, women are a vital part of the GAC global workforce.

Beating bias
We are born bias-free. It is imposed on us by external factors and sometimes unconsciously by people and the society around us. Schools in many parts of the world are working hard to ensure the generation that grows up is as free of bias as possible can be.

The educational gap between men and women is getting smaller. According to the findings of the World Bank Global Gender Gap Report 2024, the gap in educational attainment has closed by 94.9%.

More highly qualified women are entering the workforce, and the shift towards a more diverse workforce is inspiring the next generation to pursue their ambitions.

Inclusion
The world has seen significant progress in the inclusion and empowerment of women in business over the past few decades. From breaking glass ceilings to leading major corporations, women have made remarkable strides in various industries, including the shipping and logistics industry which has traditionally been dominated by men.

But there is still work to be done to ensure that women are equally included in all aspects of business.

Action
While gender equality is a long-term goal, progress can only be made through deliberate action.

Throughout the GAC world, women are making a positive impact in operations, commercial activities, technology and leadership that shape the future of our businesses. Whether leading a digital transformation project, improving operational efficiencies or spearheading our sustainability efforts, they are helping shape the future of the shipping and logistics industries.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’. To truly do so, we must acknowledge and amplify the voices of those leading change.

It is crucial for organisations to ensure a corporate culture that focuses on skills, potential and leadership capabilities, supported by an environment where people succeed and feel valued based on merit.

“At GAC this is exactly our focus,” says Evelina Bjornsson, GAC’s Group Director of Human Resources.

“Women play an important role in our Group as company managers, dynamic sales and marketing people, industry experts, frontline workers and specialists in key areas to serve our customers.

“They are not there to fulfil ratios or tick boxes. They are there because we recognise that they are the right people for the job.”

Evelina HX1 A0110

Women across GAC who have paved the way for future generations demonstrate that talent, not gender, defines success.

As Srilekha Ghosh, GAC’s Group HR Officer - Talent Programmes, says: “At GAC, inclusion is not about metrics – it's about ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, has equal access to opportunities.”

In many countries, GAC staff are active members of organisations that promote women in business, such as the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), and this is something we support wholeheartedly.

Srileka Photo edited

Forward together
Progress is not about waiting for change. It’s about driving it forward together.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remain committed to ensuring a workplace where gender is never a barrier to success,” says Evelina.

“Whether through continuous learning, mentorship, advocacy or supporting colleagues, every action contributes to a more inclusive future.”

Accelerating progress is not a responsibility of a few – it's a collective effort, men and women alike. Together, we can all benefit from the positive change.

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