Interview with Justine Camoin, Vice Chair for Europe of the IAPH Women’s Forum and International Business Developer at MGI, by Marie Pavesio marketing and communication manager at MGI.

Women in shipping

IAPH Women’s Forum – aiming high

The Women’s Forum was launched in 2012 by the International Association of Ports and Harbors*, as a platform for discussion, networking and interaction. Its role is to promote the place of women in the shipping industry! We also want to show women that they can build a career as a terminal operator, in administrative offices, or even manage a port. We currently have around 150 members and a team of female Vice Chairs**, representing all the continents, who help to promote the forum.

Training scholarships

Our work involves concrete actions, such as sponsorships. Firstly, there is the Women’s Forum Biennial Training Scholarship for women in top or executive management, to finance professional training.  It also includes travel expenses to attend the biennial IAPH World Ports Conference, where the winners present their research. Our forum also awards the Women’s Forum Annual Meeting Scholarship to women who are not in top or executive management roles, but who have made a significant contribution to their port or company, and have become a valuable asset. It includes travel expenses to attend the annual IAPH Mid-term Conference.

Two winners have been awarded these scholarships over the past two years: Fiona Syovata Mbandi, Senior Human Resources Officer at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya, who received the award in 2017, and Ngozi Obikili, Assistant Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, who received the award in 2018. The winners then play an active role in promoting the Women’s Forum. For example, following her work, Fiona was appointed Vice Chair for Africa.

Apply now!

Everyone can apply so you could be our next awardee. Applicants must be employed in the shipping sector and work for an IAPH member port. Just send your application via the IAPH website or by email to info@iaphworldports.org!

New mentoring programme 

We are also launching a mentoring programme. The idea is for a man or woman in a leadership position to mentor and support a female employee looking to take on a managerial role. Mentors share their experience and network, and provide applicants with advice. It is an enriching experience for both mentors and mentees on a human and professional level. Contact Jeanine Drummond, Vice Chair for Oceania at jmdrummond@portauthoritynsw.com.au to become a mentor or receive mentoring.

Join the IAPH!

It’s easy to join on the IAPH website. Also check out our Women’s Forum Facebook and LinkedIn page.

Interview with Marie Pavesio, marketing and communications manager.

 

*IAPH: The International Association of Ports & Harbors promotes the interests of ports worldwide through strong member relationships, collaboration and information-sharing that help resolve common issues, advance sustainable practices and continually improve how ports serve the maritime industries.

**Chair: Siti Noraishah Azizan, General Manager, Sabah Ports, Malaysia.

Vice Chairs :

• Africa: Fiona S. Mbandi, Senior Human Resources Officer, Kenya Port Authority.
• Europe: Justine Camoin, International Business Developer, MGI.
• Asia, South-East and Oceania: Jeanine Drummond, Harbour Master, Port of Newcastle.
• America, Central and South Region: Dr Guimara Tunon Guerra, Director General of Ports and Maritime Ancillary Industries, Panama Maritime Authority.
• North America: Elisabeth Blanchard, North America vice chair.