Sindaport conducts survey on women's presence at the ports of Santos and São Sebastião

Data on the number of women working in port operations will help the sector identify the adjustments needed to improve working conditions (Vanessa Rodrigues/AT)

The Sindicato dos Empregados na Administração Portuária (Sindaport) is seeking to determine the exact number of women employed in São Paulo State's port sector. To carry out this survey, the union requested workforce information from companies and the port authorities of Santos and São Sebastião, located on the state's northern coast.

Sindaport President Everandy Cirino dos Santos said that women's participation in the sector remains limited but has been steadily increasing. As a result, he stressed that workplace adjustments are necessary.

"I am not referring only to dedicated changing rooms and restrooms for women, but also to uniforms that meet operational requirements while being properly designed for female workers", he said.

Cirino explained that the statistical survey will help identify the sector's actual needs.

"The purpose is to obtain information on the number of employees working in both administrative and operational positions, as well as their distribution by gender", he noted.

According to the union leader, the survey is intended exclusively for academic and statistical purposes, aimed at "developing studies on the composition of the workforce in the port sector, with no inspection, collective bargaining, legal, or any other secondary or undisclosed purpose."

The union reported that, at the Autoridade Portuária de Santos (APS), 140 women work in different positions, including 83 in administrative roles and 57 in operational activities. The position of Port Technician has the highest female representation, with 52 professionals. Another 47 women hold professional-level positions requiring higher education, while 14 occupy leadership roles.

"We know how much cargo the Port of Santos handles, how many vessels berth every day, and how many trucks enter and leave the port, yet we do not know how many women actually work on the waterfront. As the workers' representative, Sindaport needs this information. We are awaiting responses from the companies."

The administrations of the ports of Santos and São Sebastião, Órgão Gestor de Mão de Obra (Ogmo Santos), and companies operating within the port complex have confirmed their support for the statistical survey.

Support for the initiative

The Port Authorities of Santos and São Sebastião stated that the survey will help guide gender equity policies, expand inclusion, and identify opportunities to improve working conditions.

In a statement, APS said it will fully support the initiative.

"This survey is essential for guiding effective gender equity policies and infrastructure improvements, ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment for all women working in the port sector."

Meanwhile, Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS) described the survey as a positive initiative and confirmed that it has already provided the requested information.

"We believe this survey is an important tool for expanding knowledge about women's participation in the port sector and identifying opportunities to improve working conditions."

Companies

DP World said the initiative represents an important step toward guiding actions that promote greater diversity in the sector.

"Consistent progress is only possible when we understand the current landscape, identify challenges, and monitor developments over time."

Eldorado Brasil Celulose, which operates the new EBLog terminal on the right bank of the Port of Santos, confirmed that it will cooperate with the survey.

"Women's participation strengthens the port sector. At Eldorado, we make no distinctions and encourage our people by offering promising career opportunities and long-term professional development", said Ingrid Sierra, Human Resources Coordinator for Foreign Trade (Comex) and CSC at EBLog.

Finally, Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP) announced that it will contribute data to the survey, stating that:

"This mapping initiative will make an important contribution to the entire port sector, as its results will provide greater knowledge and a realistic assessment of women's inclusion at the Port of Santos."

BTP also reported that it has expanded female participation in both operational and leadership positions through training and inclusion initiatives.

"In 2025, women accounted for 25% of the company's terminal tractor drivers. Nine female dockworkers were hired after completing a pioneering training program conducted by Ogmo Santos. In addition, women came to lead 55.5% of the company's management positions. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of female employees increased by 43.7% compared with 2023."