World Bank representatives interact with FFFAI Chairman and Office Bearers on FFFAI Women Wing's participation in logistics sector
FFFAI welcomed World Bank (WB) team along with FFFAI Women's Wing at headquarters in Mumbai on 23rd August, 2023 for a roundtable meet, with participation of FFFAI Women Wing’s members across the country through hybrid mode of meeting. The WB team was represented by Ms. Nora Dihel, Sr Economist (Trade and Investment) World Bank (WB); Ms Mitali Nikore, WB Consultant and economist and Ms. Pranidhi. The team was welcomed by FFFAI Chairman Mr. Shankar Shinde, Chairman Elect Mr. Dushyant Mulani, Hony. Secretary Mr. Vinod Sharma, Women’s Wings Convenor Ms Chaitaly Mehta and Women’s Wings Mentor Mrs. Philomena Pereira.
The objective of the meet was to understand and discuss the underlying reasons witnessed on less women’s participation in the logistics and international trade domain in India. The roundtable meet also emphasised on identifying constraints and requirements in seeking more women's participation in the Logistics sector. Discussions were also held on Safety & Security aspects and required measures, Transport & Infrastructure issues and Training & Skill development requirements to analyse gaps to undertake projects for effective implementation.
Commenting on the importance of this meeting with the World Bank, the FFFAI Chairman said, “The roundtable meeting with WB provided a platform for the women stakeholders to share their perspectives on women employment in logistics and international trade as well as share knowledge and good practices on this subject. The meet/workshop also endeavored to identify domains in the logistics value chain where women can participate more proactively. According to him, with the introduction of digitization, automation, Artificial Intelligence and soft skills there is tremendous scope for women to enter into the logistics business in India despite some inherent challenges. He also pointed out that things are changing rapidly thanks to the initiatives of the government regarding infrastructure development and announcement of the National Logistics Policy to woo young aspirants, irrespective of men and women to this burgeoning sector.
He further stated that the platform is open to all women in Logistics at different levels of Management, office staff and operational field to participate through FFFAI online membership application which is free for participation of Women and youth in India. It provides exposure to seniors of Industry for better interaction as they are the future of industry to invent innovation in logistics.
FFFAI Women's Wing Convenor Ms. Chaitaly Mehta sharing her experience of activities undertaken in FFFAI with physical field visits experience at Petrapole Land Customs (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam Port, Kakinada Port, Mumbai Aircargo Complex and ICD Talegaon in Pune said that the interaction was quite informative and valuable information/experiences was shared by the Women members who participated in a large number from all 30 member associations of FFFAI.
The WB representatives shared that they would soon be going to roll out a survey for the Logistics Industry to understand the challenges faced at the operational level by trade and industry, object scenario of gender neutrality as regard to the challenges, which would help in implementation of corrective measures. She also pointed out the poor participation of women in the logistics sector in India at present.
It should be pertinent to mention that WB has already tied up with CBIC and solicited support from FFFAI to complete a study in India for better understanding the ground reality, challenges and data collection for larger interest of the exim trade in terms of fast cargo clearance, risk management and women participation in logistics business.
Speaking on this occasion Mr Dushyant Mulani, Chairman Elect, FFFAI observed that the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of women participation in logistics thanks to adoption of ‘Work from Home’ concept and IT where women proved to be better performers. He also advocated for flexi working hour mechanism for women and fulfilling the compliances regarding women safety at all offices.
The world bank team thanked the FFFAI Women's Wing team for their valuable inputs to take it forward and would be happy to extend their support in promoting women’s participation in logistics.
