Press Room

Today, more and more women are joining professions that were previously considered exclusively male. Port engineers, crane operators, those in charge of security in the yards, are just a few examples of women who have decided to break stereotypes and challenge gender roles in the port industry.

It is important to note that, although a few years ago the port professions were mostly dominated by men, the situation has changed in recent decades. More and more women are joining this labor sector and have managed to consolidate themselves as port engineers, stevedores, heavy equipment operators and other professions.

As they are traditionally male trades, the gender gap in the workplace increased. However, more and more women are deciding to dare and fight for their rights and take advantage of opportunities. In fact, today, these women have managed to break down barriers and demonstrate that gender is not a limitation to successful performance in these careers.

For example, in Hutchison Ports, we find Nadiuska Dixon, a graduate in Maritime Operations who has managed to stand out in a predominantly male sector. Nadiuska it is dedicated to the administration of the main operations systems so that the planning and management of all movements in the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals is carried out, a job that requires a great capacity for leadership and decision-making. She assures that she has found her passion in this work and feels very satisfied to be able to demonstrate that women can also perform in activities that were previously carried out by men.

Nadiuska Dixon, IT Support Analyst

Another example of women who have ventured into non-traditional professions are crane operators. In this sense, we can mention Karina Degenhardt who has shown that work in this field is not exclusive to men, paving the way for other women such as Anis Vásquez and Mercedes De Nicolo, also crane operators in an activity that until very recently was exclusively male and that is increasingly arousing the interest of professionals.

 Karina Degenhardt, Heavy Equipment Operator/RTG

Karina Degenhardt, Anis Vásquez and Mercedes De Nicolo. Heavy Equipment Operators/RTGs

Likewise, Melissa Peregrina, an engineer who works in the construction and maintenance of port infrastructure works, is a clear example that women can also excel in jobs that require this skill.

Melissa Peregrina, Project Manager

Nayhelis White. Group Leader

This transformation of gender culture has been driven by the implementation of inclusion policies not only in Hutchison, but also in its supply chain where we find women as Gleidi Valoyes of the port service provider company, SERVIESTIBA S.A., which has the important responsibility of supervising and monitoring refrigerated containers. Likewise, Nayhelis White, a young woman from Colon who serves as Group Leader for the company that provides protection and security services in ports, ONE GUARD SECURITY and who has developed her leadership skills in a predominantly male area.

These policies seek to promote equal opportunities in the labor market, so that all people can access quality jobs regardless of their gender, race or social status.

All this by promoting equal pay for work of equal value, inclusive supply chain practices, promotion of training and opportunities in favor of women and zero tolerance against sexual harassment in the workplace, among others.

At the same time, the leadership and professional growth of women in the company is promoted through mentoring programs to support women in the company and awareness campaigns have also been carried out on the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Port of Balboa

That is why to Hutchison Ports it is important to continue working on labor inclusion policies that promote gender equality following the roadmap marked by the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) of the Global Compact and UN Women, as well as by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations with its goal # 5 Gender Equality.

In this way, women can access quality jobs and develop their full professional potential in the various areas of the company to build a fairer and more egalitarian society, in which people are valued for their skills and not for their gender.

The women of Hutchison Ports They are an example of professionalism, courage and perseverance. They have managed to break gender stereotypes and have shown that they can also perform successfully in non-traditional professions. Despite the difficulties they have faced, they have managed to consolidate themselves in jobs that were previously exclusive to men. This shows that gender is not a limitation for professional development and that, with effort and dedication, any woman can achieve her goals and objectives within the port industry.

With the goal of inspiring, promoting culture, and sharing experiences, Hutchison Ports PPC organized an unforgettable event for the children of the Santa Cruz Community Kitchen in Curundu. On this occasion, the children had the opportunity to enjoy the immersive exhibition “Beyond Van Gogh”, a showcase that blends technology and art to bring Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic works to life.

Accompanied by our team of volunteers and Hutchison Ports PPC’s CEO, Jared Zerbe, the children explored interactive artistic pieces that sparked their creativity and imagination. This visit was a testament to Hutchison Ports PPC’s commitment to the holistic development of the communities where we operate.

After this magical experience, the children also had the chance to visit our facilities at the Port of Balboa. Through engaging activities, they learned about Panama’s rich history and the crucial role ports play in the country’s economic and social development.

Hutchison Ports PPC reaffirms its commitment to making a positive impact on communities, fostering culture, education, and sustainable development.