Shipping minister celebrates International Women’s Day at London Gateway

Shipping minister Nusrat Ghani visited DP World London Gateway on Thursday to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Ghani, the first ever female Muslim government minister, joined female employees at the logistics hub in support of DP World’s women’s empowerment campaign, which will has pledged to work with leading organisations and local communities to support and empower women in their right to education and welfare.

She said: “Having seen the operation first hand today and spoken with women that work at DP World London Gateway, it is clear that they have an extremely important part to play – not just in ensuring the day-to-day running of this impressive logistics facility, but in the smooth and effective processing of cargo in, out and around the UK.”

DP World in the UK currently employs 130 women across its operations at London Gateway and Southampton, 12 per cent of the total workforce. The company presents equal opportunities for training and internal roles to both men and women.

The campaign features four pillars which will encourage mentoring, celebrate the success of female staff, aim strategic community investment at supporting empowerment of women and girls and ensure the voices of women in the organisation are heard.

“We’re proud that women make up such a significant proportion of our UK workforce and are thankful for the invaluable contribution they make to running our facilities in the UK,” said DP World UK chief executive Chris Lewis. “The ports industry is changing as new technologies are introduced; meaning a sector traditionally dominated by male staff is now becoming more accessible to women.”