Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA)

 

Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA)

WISTA (Formed in 1974) is an international networking organization whose mission is to attract and support women, at the management level, in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors.

WISTA International serves as a connector for its network of more than 5,100 female professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry.

WISTA promotes diversity in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors, empowering women to lead through their unique perspective and competencies, with the conviction that gender diversity is key in providing a sustainable future for the shipping industry internationally.

On a global scale, WISTA members have access to an incredibly diverse network of executives in the shipping and trading field on whom they can call for referrals, connections, advice or business collaborations.

WISTA works toward:

·         Minimizing the existing gender leadership gap in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors.

·         Building a community among its members, facilitating the exchange of contacts, information, and experiences

·         Promoting the creation of business relationships among its members

·         Facilitating the professional development of its members

·         Providing liaison with other related institutions and organizations worldwide

 

WISTA India

Launched on 7th December 2012 at the Shipping Corporation of India [SCI] Auditorium by Mr.S.Hajara the CMD of SCI, providing a networking platform for women in management positions involved in shipping and related maritime businesses and trading houses within the maritime industry.

WISTA India is a national chapter of WISTA and a diverse member base from ship owners, trading houses, port authorities, chartering, ship management companies, lawyers etc.

WISTA India draw inspiration from the First Lady of Indian Shipping Mrs. Sumati Morarjee, the first woman of Indian shipping. She was also the first woman in the world to head an organisation of ship owners – Indian National Steamship Owners Association, which was later renamed Indian National Ship owners Association. She was elected as vice-president of the World Shipping Federation, London, in 1970.

In the words of WISTA India founder member and President Ms.Sanjam Sahi Gupta: “Over the years the role of women in the maritime industry has evolved and women have been taking up challenging responsibilities at sea and ashore.

Women have achieved leadership positions as bankers, lawyers, surveyors in the shipping industry globally.

Today there are many exciting opportunities for women in ship broking, forwarding, logistics, ship owning and ship management organizations, across segments.

WISTA India will be a platform for these accomplished women to share their knowledge, experience and contribution in making women more prominent in the maritime industry.

One of the key objectives of WISTA India will be mentoring and spreading awareness about the various growth opportunities, which will be done through a mix of workshops, seminars and knowledge sharing sessions by eminent speakers in the maritime industry.