Freetown Terminal Strengthens Calls For Gender Equality
Freetown Terminal joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, with a series of events aimed at promoting gender equality and celebrating the contributions of women in the maritime and logistics sector.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasized the need for swift and decisive measures to bridge gender gaps, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries such as shipping and port management. Freetown Terminal, a major gateway for trade and commerce in Sierra Leone, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in the workplace through various initiatives.
The event, attended by employees, industry leaders, and representatives from women’s organizations, featured motivational speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on professional development.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Yamba Mansaray, commended women across the world and the women working at the port, and emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive work environment.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must recognize that true progress requires action. Freetown Terminal is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women, fostering leadership, and supporting policies that drive gender equality in the maritime industry,” he stated.
One of the highlights of the event was a video session featuring female professionals from the shipping and logistics industry.
They shared their experiences, challenges, and success stories, inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in the field. The session also provided an opportunity to discuss policies that could further empower women.
Employees and stakeholders expressed appreciation for the celebration and recognition of their hard work at the terminal, noting that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve full gender parity.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Freetown Terminal’s commitment to gender inclusion and equality stands as a beacon of progress, setting an example for other industries to follow.
Owner of JF Heritage, Fredricka Williams, recognized the work done by the Terminal and called on women to be policy makers, as they have come a long way in actualizing this change.
“Now we have a lot of bias towards women empowerment and gender equality. So it is our duty as women to take advantage and to make the change. We don’t want to continue to be like this,” she concluded.
Founder of Women in Agriculture and Nyanda Local Market, Bintu Nyanda Jibao, said she started operating with just few women after discovering her dream business in the province, with some local women, adding that they went on and on, working hard and pushing more.
She said that their target was to secure a warehouse for vegetables, so that they will have what they eat and also leave some for commercial purposes. She urged that their produce be bought from their local shops, with the proceeds going straight to those women working with a child on their backs.
Social Media Influencer, Mrs. Hannah Ogunade, also known as ‘Waterloo Titi’, admonished women that they should be dedicated, honest and persevere in whatever they find themselves in, which will make them to succeed in the end.
“Women are strong, as most times, when wrong things happen to us, we don’t come out to explain, but only few are brave to come out. I urge you all to do something that will be of great benefit to you and society. Make somethings with your hands”