Diversity and new paths on the agenda

At Svitzer, the Brazilian delegation was introduced to the concepts that define the company’s operations, such as diversity and female participation (Luciana Moledas/TV Tribuna)

The presence of women in leadership positions in the maritime sector was the main highlight of the second technical visit on Tuesday (18) by the Mulheres a Bordo International Mission, promoted by Grupo Tribuna in Panama. During the afternoon, the participants visited Svitzer’s headquarters, a global company specializing in tugboat and marine assistance services.

At the meeting, Svitzer’s Regional Legal Director, Vivian Resende de Carvalho, highlighted the growing participation of women in the sector and the presence of women in management and coordination roles, as well as executive positions within the company. In her view, women’s occupation of these positions represents an important transformation in a segment historically marked by male predominance.

“I am very happy to be part of a company where we have this diversity so clearly visible and evident. We see women occupying positions where they have a voice, where they make decisions”, she said.

The discussion went beyond the presence of women in leadership positions and also addressed the importance of women who have already gained ground contributing to opening paths for other professionals.

Vivian told the participants that her own career in the sector began with an opportunity provided by another woman and that, throughout her career, she has also sought to support other professionals. “From my very first job in this sector, which was a door opened by a woman, I have always had support throughout my journey, my career, my path.”

The reflection was shared by attorney Erika Feitosa Chaves, a partner at Castro Barros Advogados and a mission participant. For her, reaching a prominent position also creates an opportunity to help make the path easier for those who come after.

“When we get there, it is so difficult. We face so many obstacles and often feel so alone, but we have to keep in mind that we can change someone else’s world”, she said.

Svitzer’s Regional Legal Director, Vivian, spoke about her career path (Luciana Moledas/TV Tribuna)

The visit to Svitzer concluded the day’s second technical activity and allowed the group to learn about a company in which diversity and female participation are also part of discussions about the development of the maritime sector.

The experience reinforced one of the key pillars of the program: expanding connections and sharing experiences capable of encouraging women’s presence, including in leadership and decision-making positions, in a sector that is strategic to logistics and global trade.

Highlight Agenda The Mulheres a Bordo International Mission continues this Wednesday (19), with visits to the SSA Marine port terminal and the Port of Balboa, operated by APM Terminals. On Thursday (20), there will be a guided tour of Casco Viejo, in Panama City, followed by a closing luncheon featuring a presentation by Elvia Bustavino, president of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (Wista) Panamá.