The 9th of August marks the anniversary of The Great Women's March of 1956 when approximately 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation that was intended to maintain population segregation.

At a time when the circumstances were against them, these brave, powerful women stood together and in true lady-like style, used their presence to make a powerful yet peaceful statement which has redirected the course of our country.

Although our industry is still male-dominated, Barloworld Logistics currently has a 36% female representation in leadership roles which is a 7% increase from September 2020. Furthermore, despite the challenging financial circumstances our business has faced in the past 18 months, Barloworld Logistics has invested R1.4 million in training for women.

Our Supply Chain Management and Road Transport Learnerships continue to gain momentum with 30 women currently engaged in this programme.

We are blessed to be part of a company with leaders who acknowledge and understand the role of women and intentionally seeks to create opportunities for women to thrive not just as employees but as wives, mothers and contributors to society. We are constantly reviewing our practices, policies and benefits for women in the workplace and have identified areas where we can improve. More important than policies, we have leaders who genuinely support women by creating an environment for us to realise our potential.

This Women’s Day, we take time to acknowledge and celebrate each others’ successes and continue to support each other at work and in life.

Women with purpose are unstoppable! May we know them, may we be them and may we raise them.