In the U.S., shortages have been reported for chemotherapy drugs, steroids, hormonal drugs, and oral liquids like lidocaine and ibuprofen.

The shortage of chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, has been particularly concerning, affecting cancer treatment.

The FDA has allowed temporary importation of some chemotherapy drugs to mitigate these shortages.

For instance, a major manufacturer of chemotherapy drugs had to shut down due to compliance issues, leading to increased demand from other producers.

In Nigeria, economic downturns, forex scarcity, and high diesel costs have exacerbated the situation, affecting the availability of essential medicines.

Hospitals have been rationing care, switching to alternative drugs, and adjusting treatment plans.

In some cases, healthcare providers have used drugs from the same classification or altered the order of drug administration to ensure patients receive necessary treatments.

Additionally, some countries have increased production to meet demand, as seen with Pfizer's efforts to boost chemotherapy drug production by 40%.

In the U.S., shortages have been reported for chemotherapy drugs, steroids, hormonal drugs, and oral liquids like lidocaine and ibuprofen.

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Content: As drug shortage list grows, many hospitals face tough decisions on rationing care

More than half of hospital pharmacists are reporting a critical shortage of chemotherapy drugs and nearly all are reporting overall medicine supply gaps as prescription drug shortages near an all time high, according to a new survey.

Hospital pharmacists said drug shortages have forced 1 in 3 health systems to delay, cancel or ration care or switch to alternate drugs to continue to treat patients. And 99% are reporting some drug supply shortages, an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists survey of more than 1,000 pharmacists released Thursday found.

The organization reported shortages of 309 drugs, near the all-time high of 320 shortages in 2014. The scarcity of key drugs is prompting hospitals to find or substitute drugs and change treatment plans as needed.

“In some cases, there are no alternatives to the affected drugs, which puts patients at risk," ASHP Chief Executive Officer Paul W. Abramowitz said in a statement. "This issue requires quick action from Congress to address the underlying causes of shortages and ensure patients have the medications they need.”

Cancer drug shortages

In June, the Food and Drug Administration said it will temporarily allow overseas drug manufacturers to import some chemotherapy drugs.

The FDA allowed Qilu Pharmaceutical, a drug manufacturer in China, to import the injectable chemotherapy drug cisplatin in 50-milligram vials. Toronto pharmaceutical company Apotex Corp. will distribute the medication in the United States.

More than a dozen cancer drugs have been in shortage in recent months, including cisplatin and carboplatin, used to treat lung, breast, prostate and gynecologic cancers. The National Cancer Institute said cisplatin and similar drugs are prescribed for 10% to 20% of all cancer patients.

In June, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network released a survey of 27 academic cancer centers that found 93% reported shortages of carboplatin and 70% faced shortages of cisplatin.

When cancer hospitals face such shortages, they attempt to make sure there's enough medication for patients to finish the course of treatment, said Mike Ganio, ASHP's senior director of pharmacy practice and quality.

Cancer hospitals facing such shortages might change medications for new patients starting on chemotherapy, said Ganio, a former pharmacy manager at an academic cancer center.

"You try to keep that patient on the same regimen as much as you can, unless they're failing it for some reason, and then you would switch," Ganio said.

Steroids, hormonal drugs also in short supply

More than 1 in 5 hospital pharmacists also reported shortages for steroids, hormonal drugs and oral liquids such as lidocaine, ibuprofen and amoxicillin.

A smaller number of pharmacists said heart medications, emergency prefilled syringes and drugs used for intensive care unit patients were in short supply. Others reported shortages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines, antimicrobial drugs and injectable opioids.

In all, about two-thirds of pharmacists said the shortages were "moderately impactful," which means they are managing shortages but patients are affected.

Pharmacists are managing the shortages by offering therapeutic alternatives, buying different vial sizes or concentrations and rationing medicines.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Survey: Drug shortages are widespread, hospitals ration care

The shortage of chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, has been particularly concerning, affecting cancer treatment.

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Content: NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – While this shortage of chemotherapy drugs stretches across the country, 22News looks at how the limited amounts of potentially life-saving drugs are impacting cancer care in our area.

It’s a problem, so acute it was recognized by the Biden Administration just last month. The White House noted there’s a shortage of 15 cancer drugs due to manufacturing and supply chain issues.

22News asked Pharmacy Director Michelle Kososki at Mass General Brigham Cooley Dickinson Hospital, to rate the shortage experienced locally on a scale, 5 being a critical shortage and 1 being no shortage at all, “right now I would probably say it is a four. We only have a very small supply of one particular drug.”

Pharmacy Director Michelle Kososki said drug shortages are not uncommon in the healthcare industry however, when faced with potentially life-saving drugs it can get complicated, “Anytime there is a shortage, there’s a risk of not being able to treat patients. Obviously, that is something we want to avoid and we work to the best of our ability with creative solutions to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Nurse Manager Lisa Martensson at Mass General Care Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital told 22News, “There’s always the ethical issues of who gets the drug that’s available. It’s supply and demand as you said and looking at what folks had for their disease which ones needed to be treated faster than others based on the aggressiveness of their disease. Those things played in but it was a really difficult decision to sit down and try and decide who would get the drug. We were never in a position where we had to deny anybody.”

Cancer patient Norman Uzdavinis of Whately said he was very concerned when he first heard of the shortage, “I had wondered where in the chemotherapy I would be at, would it have to be delayed for months or years if possible.”

Uzdavinis has not had his medical care compromised but feels for those who have, “I feel for them. I know what I’m going through and that everything is here so it’s perfect for me, but there’s a lot out there that are not as fortunate. I know that.”

“Healthcare providers here were able to mitigate the shortage by using a couple of different tactics. For example, they could switch up a patient’s medication regimen,” Nurse Manager Lisa Martensson said.

“What we did do was use drugs that were in the same classification but not necessarily that specific drug. There are also drug regimens where we could switch around the order to which we gave the drugs so if there was a drug that wasn’t available we are able to do one of the drugs that was available first and do that second drug second. That was able to work out so people didn’t do without and they were able to get what they needed,” Martensson continued.

According to the FDA, the shortage started when one of the major manufacturers of the chemo drug, Accord Healthcare, a company based in India, had to shut down after problems complying with good manufacturing practices were found during an inspection. Now, there is an increased demand from other companies that make these kinds of drugs.

22News contacted some other of the manufacturers of these drugs. Pfizer said they are increasing production by about 40 percent to meet this increased demand.

Local News

Alanna Flood is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Alanna on X @alannafloodnews and view her bio to see more of her work.

The FDA has allowed temporary importation of some chemotherapy drugs to mitigate these shortages.

For instance, a major manufacturer of chemotherapy drugs had to shut down due to compliance issues, leading to increased demand from other producers.

In Nigeria, economic downturns, forex scarcity, and high diesel costs have exacerbated the situation, affecting the availability of essential medicines.

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Content: ×

Most Widely Read Newspaper

Scarcity of essential drugs imminent, industrial pharmacists warn

The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria has warned that there may be a scarcity of essential medications across the country due to the current economic downturn.

The National Chairman of NAIP, Kenneth Onuegbu said the pharmaceutical companies may not be able to provide crucial medications if the government does not address and find a solution to the high cost of diesel and forex scarcity.

The World Health Organsation described essential medicines as those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of a population.

According to WHO, essential medicines can save lives and improve health and are selected with due regard to disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness.

Speaking at the 5th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, the NAIP chairman lamented that the current economic situation of the country has affected production and importation of medications.

While listing poor infrastructure, forex scarcity, and regulations as key issues affecting the pharmaceutical sector, Onuegbu urged the federal government to intervene in providing an enabling environment for producers.

“Poor infrastructure is a major challenge. Buying diesel is a very big headache for pharmaceutical companies.

“We have insecurity issues, and how to get the medication from the point of production to the final consumer is another challenge that we have not been able to solve.

“To access forex is a big challenge. The process can take a year to get the CBN subsidised rate, hence, we resort to the black market. You can imagine that we buy drugs at the rate of N1,100, and automatically, it will affect production.

“If we don’t do something about it, there is going to be a scarcity of essential medicines. We must call for the domestication of medications to reduce the production cost.

“It is also important to note that our environment is over-regulated. Our regulation ought to have a Nigeria face; we cannot be promoting local production when you are making it difficult for them to start.

“Government needs to tackle insecurity, epileptic power supply, forex and host of others if they really want pharmaceutical companies to survive in this country.”

In his remarks, the President of NAFTraph, Dr. John Ejezie blamed the current high price of medicine on supply chain challenges and high inflation rates.

He lamented that the current depreciation of the Naira had reduced the purchasing power of the citizenry and affected the production of drugs.

While describing the challenges plaguing the pharmaceutical sector as a big obstacle for Nigerian pharmacists, Ejezie maintained that the association will continue to reshape the health indicators through community-based free wellness efforts.

“These socio-economic menaces are experienced across the globe, and developing economies are disproportionately impacted due to non-robust socio-economic structures that might absorb such societal and economic shocks.

“Despite all these societal menaces and socio-economic challenges, we can’t let those wonderful dreams and aspirations dissipate, or anyone or circumstances kill them,” he added.

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Content: Health

October 31, 2023

Depreciating Naira value pushes medical care beyond Nigerians

•N1, 170 to US$1 monumental tragedy — PSN President

•Medical supplies priced beyond Nigerians, patients seek alternative care

•Wholesalers, retailers hoard essential life-saving drugs

•Pharmacies record low sales

By Chioma Obinna

It is not the best of times to be sick in Nigeria or to require any form of medical treatment as a result of a disease infection or accident trauma. This is because the continuous free fall of the naira value over the last few years has worsened the already weakened healthcare delivery services in the country.

From the pharmaceutical sector to the healthcare delivery services, Nigeria’s treatment of one ailment or the other has been rendered helpless. Hospitals are also not spared.

Apart from escalating the cost of medicines in Nigeria, its adverse effects on the population leave much to be desired.

The Nigerian pharmaceutical industry is facing significant challenges due to rising drug costs, forcing importers and local manufacturers out of business. Many medicines for common ailments are no longer available, and few are accessible to most Nigerians.

Pharmaceutical companies like GSK are leaving the country, and essential medicines are being hoarded by wholesalers and retailers. The depreciating value of the naira to the dollar, coupled with sky-high inflation, has led to a sharp increase in the cost of importation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and APIs, and the importation and manufacturing of finished products at the consumer level.

Currently, Nigeria is rated by the World Health Organisation, WHO, as one of the eight countries in the world with exceptionally exorbitant drug prices.

As you’re reading this article, US$1 is exchanging at the parallel market at N1, 200, as of 24th October 2023, the exchange rate between the naira and the US dollar is about N800, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Vanguard investigations reveal that the cost of pharmaceutical drugs in Nigeria has increased by over 100 per cent, causing patients to return home without their prescriptions.

Prices for paracetamol, chemotherapeutic treatments, antimalarials, antibiotics, antihistamines, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, and other medications have risen by 200 to 800 percent. This issue is undermining local medicine makers, who rely on imported raw materials. Nigeria, which relies on imports for 70 percent of its medicine needs, may face the worst if immediate action is not taken.

Stakeholders are concerned that the rapid disappearance of pharmaceuticals could lead to a major scarcity of drugs and medicines for disease treatment. Additionally, the cost of medications in Nigeria continues to rise hourly due to the $1 per second increase in the dollar exchange rate.

A Vanguard investigation found that Augmentin, a GSK product for the treatment of infection and pneumonia, is no longer available at a fixed price. The price is now determined by the buyer. Ampiclox, another GSK product that was formerly priced between N500 and N1,000 per sachet, is now priced between N10,000 and N20,000 per sachet, depending on location.

If you can find the medicine to buy, it costs between N26,500 and N45,000 depending on where you live. The 1-gram sachet costs N45,000 in Okota and Isolo, whereas it costs N40,000 elsewhere.

Another life-saving drug – the Ventolin inhaler -that is utilized in treating asthma attacks is now out of supply. A few months ago, the Ventolin inhaler was sold for N1, 600.

Findings revealed that the scarcity of Ventolin inhalers has also pushed the price of another brand of inhaler, Seretide, through the roof.   It was formerly sold for N6, 000, but now goes for N40, 000.

Many Nigerians can no longer afford regular paracetamol; a packet of paracetamol that cost N50 a year ago now costs N200 to N300, depending on the location and brand.

An indeterminate number of patients are abandoning their treatments and adopting alternative methods like traditional healers and prayer houses. Online pharmaceutical marketers exploit the scarcity of drugs to flood the market with substandard and counterfeit medications, impacting patients like pregnant women, asthma, cancer, malaria, pneumonia, hypertension, and diabetes.

For Agnes Onyero, who was on treatment for malaria, it is not just that the drugs are expensive; her main worry is that she is not seeing the results.   “I have been treating malaria for three months now after a short relief it will come back again.   I have decided that after I finish this set of drugs, I will try herbs,” she lamented regretfully.

While Agnes is battling with resistance to malaria drugs apparently due to substandard or fake medicines, another Nigerian, Adebayo Ojo cannot even afford to buy any drug for treatment.   The 35 year-old now patronises herb sellers popularly known as  Alagbo  who hawk concoctions in his area.

Every morning, Adebayo purchases a cup of the mixture for N200, which, according to him, was formerly sold for N100.

“I did not just decide to be taking herbs but the situation of things forced me to do that.  I have no steady job and just manage what I get from the little one I do.   I was at the pharmacy close to my house and I asked for a malaria drug I was told it is now N2,500. The amount is higher than my daily earnings, so I left it, “ he said.

Agnes and Adebayo are not alone. There are millions of Nigerians in the same boat with them. Some are now building their fate in their faith.

Dollar rate determines the price of drugs in Nigeria

The Chief Executive Officer of HealthPeak Pharmacy, Lagos, Pharm. Azubuike Amakase adduced that several factors contributed to the high cost of drugs presently in Nigeria, but the major factor is forex. In his view, most drugs are imported and indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers also rely on imported raw materials.

Importers are not helping matters as they continue to sell old stock at unreasonable prices, believing that repurchasing the value of the naira in dollars will not fetch them the same quantity of drugs as when they sell to manufacturers in India, China, Europe, or anywhere else.

“Now every morning before they give out products they will ask for the exchange rate and use it to compute the price for the drugs they sell for that day, that is why some days you get the price of a product in the morning by evening time the price will change, so it is affecting the cost of the drugs and other medications.

“The one that affected me emotionally was a day an asthma patient came in here and the commonest drug that we use when there is an asthma crisis is Ventolin inhaler and other brands.   But it happens that Ventolin inhaler is nowhere to be found in most pharmacies in Nigeria.   That was attributed to the fact that the company that manufactures this product, GSK, has left the country but the few stocks that we still have are in the hands of the wholesalers who are hoarding and creating an artificial scarcity.

“Inhaler that was sold at a maximum of N1600 in the past has no price now.   Some wholesalers will tell you they sell at N8,000 for one while some sell as high as N25,000.   For some people that use Seretide another inhaler for asthma, Seretide used to be like N6,000 but today if you ever see one, you will hear prices like N40,000.

“So, the day the woman came in here, she was gasping for breath, she needed an inhaler to get resuscitated but we did not have one.   What we did for her with my experience in clinical pharmacy was to get her some tablets to relieve her but those tablets could not give her immediate relief as should have done by inhaler but by the grace of God she came out of the crisis.”

But her case is one out of the 100s of cases.

Why drug shortage may persist

Azubuike who envisaged a long-term drug shortage supply in Nigeria, said most importers of pharmaceutical products are no longer bringing them in because of challenges at the Ports.

“Customs duties are getting higher and higher.  Before now, Customs used to calculate duties based on an exchange rate of about N500 to $1, but today, they are using an exchange rate of over N700 to $1 to calculate the duties.

“When you come out of the duty problem, you also face the problem of haulage, and logistics, taking these products from the wharf to the warehouses.    These trucks that convey these products from the wharf to the warehouse also run on diesel and the price of diesel is high, it starts from N700 to over N1,000.   There are so many factors that are pushing the prices of drugs in Nigeria.”

Impact on pharmacy sales

Azubuike noted that pharmacies are experiencing low sales due to high costs and the harsh economy, with many good-selling pharmacies now idle due to people’s inability to afford medications.

“Some patients will go to the hospital and bring a prescription but when they come to the pharmacy after you bring out all the drugs they were given in the prescription list, sometimes most of them will abandon the drugs and just walk away without even saying a word, some will now request that you give them something cheaper, some will come with a budget and when they get here the money they budgeted for their drugs cannot even get half of what is in their prescription. A lot of people are dying.

“Instead of buying drugs that are being prescribed for them, people now go to prayer houses while some will go to traditional healers and  alagbo  on the streets in the name of herbs. And these things as we know affect our organs, especially the liver.   If you go to some tertiary hospitals you will see the results of this act.

“People are coming down with kidney problems.   Go to nephrology clinics, patients are there.   This is major because people are not buying the right drugs.   Hospitals like LASUTH and LUTH are battling with these complications. There is a need to address this problem.”

He said drugs used for the treatment of common ailments such as malaria, typhoid fever, infections pneumonia, and respiratory tract infections among others are majorly affected.

“The cheapest malaria products once sold at N250 is now N500, while those sold at N500 then, now start from N800, and the ones sold from N1,000 then are now N2,500 upwards. This is over a 100 per cent increase.

“The commonest ciprofloxacin that you can get before now as cheap as N400 for one pack is selling as high as N800. For higher brands, some are selling for N2,500.   Then you go to drugs like Augmentin, the problem is that you can hardly see it now.   It is a GSK brand and if you can see it, it has no price meaning that the price is determined by the seller and the person seeking to have those drugs.

“It can go as high as N45,000 for the one gram, then about N40,000 for the 625 if you ever see it. The hike in Augmentin has affected the prices of other Amoxicillin, some that were sold for N1,500 in the past, are now over N3,000, and some sold for N2,000 are now sold for N6,000.

“Brands like Amplicox which is one of the brands people are conversant with, sold for N1000 per sachet and is now N10,000 per sachet, It is also a GSK product popularly known as Beecham Ampiclox. Some may be kind enough to sell it for N9000, and a person who needs this Ampicloix will need two sachets to complete treatment. This means that the person must be ready to cough out N20,000 to get a drug he or she will use for five days, going by the right dosage.”

Azubuike emphasized the need for local drug production in the country and urged the government to intervene to address the uncontrollable fall in naira value by ensuring access to Fore for the importing and producing of pharmaceutical products.

Doctors, pharmacists react

President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Prof Cyril Usifoh,  criticised the current exchange rate of N1,170 to US$1, describing it as a significant tragedy. He warned that the 200 to 250 percent differential in drug prices currently being seen could get worse.

Usifoh lamented that Nigeria’s National Drug Policies (NDP) over the years had not achieved their goals and objectives. He argued that Nigeria imports 70 percent of essential drugs, with India and China producing a significant portion of the country’s consumption, noting that the NDP 2005 advocated for 70 percent of essential drugs to be manufactured locally.

Recommending a way out of the problem, he said the manufacturing of essential drugs and APIs in Nigeria has become crucial in the quest for medicine security and to attain a major boost in the contributions of the pharma sector to the GDP in the national interest.

“Achieving the status of an African hub in pharmaceuticals must become a cardinal objective of the Tinubu administration as we mobilize for the growth of the real sector of the economy. One major reason for the skyrocketing prices of drugs is the depreciation of the naira in the Fore market.”

He said: “President Bola Tinubu needs two key portfolios in the pharma sector to bring prosperity to bare and these are the office of an adviser, Pharmaceuticals and a Chairman of a Presidential committee on drugs distribution reform to redress the ills we have highlighted for productivity.”

In his views, a Superintendent Pharmacist, Engraced Pharmacy, Lagos Pharm Jonah Okotie traced the high cost of medicines to multiple factors of high exchange rate as a result of the poor economy and repatriation of funds.

For him, in the last 20 years, the exchange rate has been depreciating consistently at an astronomical rate.

He said some pharmaceutical companies have folded up because of the astronomical increases because, at the time they imported the products, the value of the naira was less than what it was when the payment was due, which threw them into debt.

Okotie emphasized the challenge of repatriating funds for forex trading in the international market, stating that the availability of funds is crucial for accessing essential medicines. If funds are not available, citizens may be excluded from the list of beneficiaries, denying them essential medicines.

“The economy is shrinking and the purchasing power of the citizens is reducing. The incentive for multinationals to come in is dwindling. I remember sometime back in the 1990s when our economy was faced with a similar experience, the companies then left saying that not only was the cost of doing business in Africa high, but the volume of business after conversion from local currencies to the dollar was not enough to take them home.”

Okotie is insisting that there has to be some intervention kind of funds to mitigate the challenges. “Unfortunately, corruption and wickedness on the part of some of the managers may not let the citizens benefit from it.   Take for instance, the Drug Revolving Fund, DRF, scheme, it has become a conduit pipe for those saddled with managing it.    Suppliers are not paid as at when due to give credibility to the system. Those who are supposed to be checkers are themselves the suppliers. Where is the check and balance? If things go right, we must start with sincerity, accountability, responsibility and interest to see that we improve. We may not have all the resources but judicious and responsible use of our lean resources will guarantee maximum benefit.”

In a chat, the Medical Director of St Raphael Hospitals, Lagos, Dr Anthony Omolola who confirmed that in practical terms, drugs and other hospital consumables have gone over 100 per cent, decried that energy consumption has worsened the already bad situation.

He said Hospital general maintenance is hitting the roof, and patients’ capacity to pay hospital ills has gone way down.

“Unfortunately, Health Maintenance Organisations, HMOs are not making business easy for hospitals because they operate tariffs lower than the cost of production in the hospitals. The patients are not smiling and the same with the hospitals.”

On his part, the Chairman, the Ekiti State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Babatunde Rosiji, said the development has taken medical supplies beyond the reach of average citizens.

Rosiji posited that if the state of affairs in the country continues unchecked, the inevitable might be on the horizon.

“As we all know and can bear witness to, our dear country is passing through a very difficult time and we as citizens bear the brunt. The times are unprecedented! Patients are finding it difficult to present early to the hospitals for economic reasons. “The exchange rate is making the cost of drugs and medical supplies beyond the reach of the average citizens. Patients on medications for chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are finding it difficult to access an uninterrupted supply of drugs.

“While health insurance is beginning to take root, the price of drugs in the insurance scheme is out of touch with current realities. If this continues unchecked, your guess is as good as mine.”

Hospitals have been rationing care, switching to alternative drugs, and adjusting treatment plans.

In some cases, healthcare providers have used drugs from the same classification or altered the order of drug administration to ensure patients receive necessary treatments.

Additionally, some countries have increased production to meet demand, as seen with Pfizer's efforts to boost chemotherapy drug production by 40%.


Historically, these fields have been perceived as male bastions due to physical demands and societal stereotypes.

However, women are increasingly breaking these barriers, driven by determination and the desire to contribute to community development.

Despite initial surprise from colleagues, Harper's passion for construction and her hands-on experience have allowed her to thrive in this environment.

Her story exemplifies how women can excel in construction by leveraging training opportunities and embracing the diversity of roles available.

Similarly, in the maritime industry, initiatives like the Maritime SheEO Leadership Accelerator Programme are empowering women by providing management knowledge and skills necessary for leadership positions.

This program, along with scholarships and training opportunities, helps women progress in their careers and become visible role models.

Efforts to promote gender diversity in these sectors are supported by organizations and governments through educational programs, vocational training, and inclusive policies.

These initiatives aim to create a more equitable environment, enabling women to take on roles traditionally dominated by men and contribute to sustainable development.

This transformation not only benefits women but also enhances the industries by bringing diverse perspectives and addressing labor shortages.

Historically, these fields have been perceived as male bastions due to physical demands and societal stereotypes.

Title:

Content: Women Breaking Barriers in Waste Management

A quiet but significant revolution is underway in the gritty world of skip hire and waste management, where heavy machinery and hard hats have long been synonymous with the male workforce. Women are securing roles traditionally dominated by men, reshaping the landscape of the waste management industry.

Gender diversity in waste management industries like skip-hire has long been a challenge. Data has shed light on the underrepresentation of women in specialist roles and, industry surveys report that women constitute only 24% of the total waste management workforce in the US.

Historically, we can trace the reason for this gap back to several factors. One significant reason has been the physical nature of the work, often involving heavy lifting, manual labour, and the operation of machinery. These physical demands led to misconceptions that the field was better suited for men. Gender stereotypes have played a significant role, perpetuating the idea that women do not have the necessary skills or interest in waste management.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has invested extensively in research on the role of gender in waste management. They have deemed it critical to recognise the importance of promoting gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields such as skip hire, from gender diversity bringing a wealth of benefits such as providing diverse perspectives to addressing labour shortages that the industry faces.

However, the benefits of promoting gender diversity in the waste management sector aren’t exclusive to women; they extend to their employers as well. According to a recent report by FP Analytics, “Women as Levers of Change,”, companies that actively promote gender equality across all levels have demonstrated tangible positive business impacts. These include heightened competitiveness, increased profitability, and a stronger commitment to environmental responsibility.

Women Breaking Barriers in Waste Management

As attitudes shift towards viewing “waste as a resource”, and the industry pivots away from landfilling towards waste prevention and circular economy principles, more women are discovering the sector as an appealing career choice. From skip truck drivers navigating city streets with finesse to women managing recycling, waste management and skip-hire companies and advocating for diversity, their contributions are reshaping the industry’s future.

Nathalie van de Poel, Commercial Manager and co-creator of the Purified Metal Company (PMC) exemplifies a woman taking a leadership role in the waste management sector. PMC, a state-of-the-art processing plant situated in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, specialises in recycling hazardous steel scrap into premium raw material:

“The idea to recycle asbestos-contaminated steel was born 10 years ago.” Overcoming countless obstacles, including securing €70 million in funding and hiring 30 employees, PMC has finally reached fruition. “It was a long journey, with some saying it was impossible, but we stayed strong and built a solid business case.”

Another example of women leading the way in waste management is Maria Willshee, a founding Director of Willshees, a Midlands-based waste and recycling business. Recognised as a Top 200 UK women-powered business by global private bank J. P. Morgan, Willshee’s secured the 59th position in its annual UK Women-Powered Business Report.

And recognised in last year’s list were sisters Heather Gould and Hilary Hart, principal owners of waste management specialist CSG. Based in Fareham, their four daughters also work as part of the business, while half of its eight directors are women.

Women like Nathalie van de Poel,  Maria Willshee, Heather Gould and Hilary Hart aren’t only contributing to recycling and waste management at the highest level; they are also making a difference at the community level. In 2018, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) embarked on a groundbreaking global survey targeting women working within the waste sector. For the first time, this unique endeavour asked women to classify their work using Ad Lansink’s waste hierarchy, often referred to as “Lansink’s Ladder.” The findings from 73 countries revealed that 51.6% of respondents were engaged in waste prevention, reuse/repair, and recycling. Highlighting the substantial role that women play as managers of household waste, their critical contributions form the backbone of responsible waste management and have a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and community well-being.

But how can we encourage more women into the industry as a whole? According to Skip Hire Glasgow specialist James David, fostering inclusivity in hiring practices is a good starting place.

Waste management and skip-hire companies can proactively embrace strategies to foster inclusivity in their hiring practices, by first recognising the importance of a diverse workforce. One such approach is reevaluating traditional hiring processes to be more inclusive. This includes rewriting job descriptions to emphasise skills and qualifications over gender or background, ensuring job postings reach a broader audience through diverse channels, and actively seeking out untapped talent pools. Skip hire companies that prioritise diversity not only bolster their internal culture but also project a positive image to the public and potential clients, positioning themselves as socially responsible and equality-driven businesses.

Partnerships with vocational schools and community organisations can play a pivotal role in encouraging individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to explore careers in waste management and skip hire for example. And this fresh approach, says James David of JustHire, is precisely what the industry needs:

“Inclusivity in hiring practices is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage that propels the skip hire industry forward. We should celebrate the women who are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse industry, for their inspiration and resilience. The further potential for women in waste management and skip hire is promising, and inclusive business practice and a heightened awareness of the positive impacts of gender equality on companies all present a win-win scenario.”

Companies that think creatively about investing in recruitment programs will ultimately benefit the most. By intentionally attracting a more diverse range of candidates, including more women, they can help transform the landscape of the waste management industry for the better.

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Content: Women severely underrepresented in construction, but that’s changing

What you need to know:

  • In nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male.
  • The term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

Across the country, construction sites are a hive of activity, with the government’s ambitious affordable housing project leading the charge. Whenever I pass through these bustling sites, I can’t help but notice the workers clad in overalls, their faces dusted with cement powder as they push wheelbarrows brimming with mortar. Amidst this flurry of activity, one figure stands out – the foreman, barking instructions and overseeing the skilled artisans, or fundis, as they are commonly known.

Interestingly, in nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male. Rarely do I spot a woman among the fundis, save for the occasional food vendor. Historically, the construction industry has been a predominantly male bastion, a fact reflected in the terminology we use – the term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

While the underrepresentation of women in this field is a global issue, the challenges faced by women in this industry are particularly pronounced in Africa. This gender imbalance reflects a deeper, systemic issue within the construction sector. For too long, this industry has been perceived as a ‘man’s playground’, with women often relegated to peripheral roles or excluded entirely. The reasons for this disparity are multifaceted, ranging from societal norms and gender stereotypes, to a lack of equal opportunities and support systems for women seeking careers in this field.

Limited access to education and training opportunities, particularly in Stem fields, hinders women’s preparedness for technical roles. Furthermore, societal expectations and domestic responsibilities frequently clash with the demanding nature of construction work, making it difficult for women to balance their professional and personal lives. This gender imbalance not only perpetuates inequality but also deprives the industry of the valuable contributions and perspectives that women can bring to the table. However, times are changing, and more women are breaking into the industry, driven by their passion, determination, and desire to contribute to community development. Despite obstacles such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and societal pressures, many carved out their place in this male-dominated field.

Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to pursuing their dreams. From the high school dropout who found her calling on a construction site, to the young mother who juggled parenting responsibilities while mastering the art of bricklaying, these women have shattered stereotypes and proved that no challenge is too great when met with an indomitable spirit. Through their journeys, they have not only acquired valuable skills and experience but have also become beacons of inspiration for others.

This week, we celebrate these trailblazers, exploring their unique paths and the lessons they have learned along the way. Their stories offer a candid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives, from navigating male-dominated workplaces to balancing family responsibilities with demanding careers. As we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society, it is imperative that we challenge the deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes that have traditionally kept women on the sidelines of the construction industry.

The government can play a pivotal role by implementing initiatives that support and empower women in this field, including investing in educational programmes, vocational training, mentorship opportunities, and inclusive policies that promote gender equality and non-discrimination. This way, we can empower a new generation of women to take their rightful place alongside their male counterparts, ushering in an era of diversity and excellence in this vital sector.

Empowering women in the construction industry can have far-reaching benefits, contributing to the overall advancement of gender equality and sustainable development in the country.

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

However, women are increasingly breaking these barriers, driven by determination and the desire to contribute to community development.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Despite initial surprise from colleagues, Harper's passion for construction and her hands-on experience have allowed her to thrive in this environment.

Title:

Content: Jump directly to the content
NAILING IT

I’m a female builder – people are always shocked when I turn up on site, especially when I have my lashes and nails done

WHEN they first meet her, people are often surprised by construction worker Georgia Harper's choice of career.

Come rain or shine, the 22-year-old can be found on muddy building sites four days a week, working in a still predominantly male-dominated environment.

For Georgia though - who works as a trainee site engineer for Caddick Construction - it's the best job in the world, and all she's ever wanted to do.

Now, she's determined to break down old, outdated stereotypes that come with the building industry, and inspire more women to pursue a career in construction.

However she does admit people are still often quite surprised when she tells them what she does, and when she turns up to sites.

She says: "People always ask 'Why would you want to do that? It's dirty and cold'.

"I like to have my nails and eyelashes done from time to time, so when people meet me, ‘a woman in construction’, it's not always what they expect.

"I always have a laugh on site when anybody asks for the engineer and I turn up, as they’re usually quite surprised!"

'It's in my blood'

Even as a child, Georgia knew she wanted to go into the building industry.

She says: "When I was a young girl at primary school, I would often ask my dad if I could go to work with him delivering materials to building sites.

"It was here really that my early passions for construction were set alight.

"I loved to see all the different jobs going on around me, bringing such a huge build to life.

"I’d just think to myself, “this is amazing!”

"It’s also worth mentioning that my grandfather was a building surveyor, so it’s definitely in my blood!

"I’ve always wanted to be a site manager so becoming an apprentice engineer on site was the perfect foot in the door; I was getting some real hands-on experience."

'I'm on site four days a week'

Georgia's passion for construction carried through after she left school, and she pursued it professionally.

She says: "After college, I was encouraged into a university course, in urban studies and planning that didn’t quite suit my learning style.

"I soon left the course to pursue a more hands-on route into the industry and found the perfect apprenticeship with Caddick.

"Now, I’m on construction sites four days a week, with just one day at a desk at college.

"Caddick has given me so many training opportunities in the short time I’ve been with them and I’ve already got a lot of courses under my belt from first aid to fire marshalling.

"Before I secured my apprenticeship, I did get in touch with my local planning department and a local architecture firm where I was able to do some work experience, which was brilliant."

'I want to inspire other women'

Now, Georgia couldn't imagine doing anything else.

She says: "I love what I do so much and I just can’t believe that I’ve found myself in this industry.

"A lot of what I do is groundwork for big building projects, so it’s really rewarding to know that none of the final build would be possible without those foundations.

"I’m so proud everyday to do what I do, especially in a male dominated environment.

"Inspiring other women to get into it is definitely something I love doing.

"One thing I hadn’t anticipated when taking up a trade, was the diversity of each working day and the amount of amazing people you meet.

"We have new tradespeople on site everyday so you’re constantly interacting with a whole range of new people."

'There are drawbacks'

However, Georgia admits it can be challenging at times working in such a male-dominated environment.

She says: "Being a young woman in construction doesn’t come without its drawbacks.

"There aren’t always older female role models on site and not having somebody to relate to can be challenging.

"That’s why it’s really important to me to help drive change regarding the industry’s demographic.

"It can also be very arduous in the winter when it’s dark and cold, but in summer when the sun’s out, it’s the best job in the world!

"I love the guys that I work with, we have a great team on site, but I would love for more and more women to step into site roles in construction.

"You often find that women in the industry lean towards office-based roles, whether that’s design and architecture or administration but women are perfect for this job.

"With my work at Caddick, I’ve been invited into schools and colleges to speak to the students about what it is we do.

"When I was studying, I was one of three girls on my course.

"Now, there’s more of a 50/50 split in those classrooms, and it’s so great to see the next wave of women in construction coming through."

Climbing the career ladder

For career-focused Georgia, the only way is up from here.

She says: "Having an apprenticeship definitely has a positive impact on your financial prospects.

"Because I've got real life experience that my university counterparts don’t necessarily have, it just gives you an extra step up from entry level.

"From my role now as trainee site engineer there are loads of progression routes and the money definitely grows as you climb that ladder."

Topics

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Her story exemplifies how women can excel in construction by leveraging training opportunities and embracing the diversity of roles available.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Similarly, in the maritime industry, initiatives like the Maritime SheEO Leadership Accelerator Programme are empowering women by providing management knowledge and skills necessary for leadership positions.

Title:

Content: Developing the Next Generation of Maritime Professionals

By Elpi Petraki

As technology advances and the shipping industry looks at how it can decarbonize effectively, we hear a lot about “future-proof” solutions. However, in order to truly future-proof the industry, we need to understand the needs of seafarers and shore-based staff today so we can effectively invest in the next generation: the industry’s future leaders.

The shipping industry is one of the oldest industries in the world, and its vast range of shore-based and at-sea job roles offers a huge variety of career opportunities. However, a global labor shortage means that there is strong competition from other industries for new talent.

To attract that talent, we first need to understand what motivates the next generation. Deloitte’s 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey provides some interesting insights. In uncertain times, the survey puts cost of living and climate change as top current concerns overall.

Where selecting an employer is concerned, work/life balance and learning/development opportunities are the top criteria, closely followed by salary and benefits. However, diversity and inclusion and the societal and environmental impact of organizations were also shown to be key factors when it came to retention; many respondents said they would turn down a job if it failed to align with their personal values.

Educating Future Leaders

To attract the next generation of leaders, shipping would, therefore, be well advised to redouble efforts to collaborate with educational institutes so that training and career development paths reflect today’s priorities.

The work WISTA does to support women in shipping is relevant here, as it facilitates continuous professional development and encourages training courses that help equip women with the skills they need to progress in their careers.

WISTA Hellas, for example, is working closely with prominent educational institutes and offers full- and part-time scholarships, which are available to any woman working in the maritime industry. Opportunities include the Alba Graduate Business School’s M.B.A. in shipping, an M.S. in logistics and supply chain management from BCA College and the University of Piraeus’s M.S. in ship management. We have also partnered with the Alba Graduate Business School to provide a leadership program specifically for women in maritime.

At an international level, WISTA and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) offer five scholarships each year for the institute’s foundation diploma, and last year WISTA International launched the Maritime SheEO Leadership Accelerator Programme in partnership with the International Maritime Organization. The accelerator provides women with the management knowledge and skills they need to progress into leadership positions while creating visible role models within the industry.

There are several other initiatives designed to encourage students and young maritime professionals. For instance, in Greece, the Young Executive Shipping (YES) Forum provides a platform for open dialogue between the industry, students and young professionals to bridge the generational gap and to share knowledge and experience. Isalos.net organizes a range of industry events to promote opportunities in the maritime industry, in addition to hosting an online careers platform for cadets.

Other organizations are also responding to the need to develop the next generation of maritime professionals. The Maritime Port Authority in Singapore recently appointed 18 students to be the first MaritimeSG Youth Ambassadors, and the city of Rotterdam has established a Young Maritime Board to participate in the Rotterdam, Maritime Capital of Europe program.

Addressing Recruitment Challenges

In the more immediate term, the 2021 BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report predicted that by 2026, there will be a need for almost 90,000 additional STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)-certified officers as demand for seafarers to operate the world’s merchant fleet continues to outstrip supply. The situation was surely exacerbated by COVID-19, which exposed or highlighted unappealing aspects of a career at sea.

For example, work/life balance, crew connectivity, security on board and differing legal systems around the world are just some of the challenges faced by seafarers, which can have a negative impact on job satisfaction or crew retention.

As an industry, we need to find solutions to provide seafarers with greater support, such as implementing work patterns that increase shore leave; investing in policies and processes that promote greater diversity and inclusion by creating the right environment on board for everyone; enabling existing crew to receive training and to upskill as new technologies are introduced; and ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all.

Digitalization and New Technologies

New technologies should also create new roles that are more in tune with the skill sets of the younger generation, making the industry a more attractive option, particularly when digital solutions are being used to address issues such as decarbonization.

The demand for digital skills within the global workforce will only continue to increase, and we can see this being translated in school curriculums, where there is a greater focus on STEM subjects and the introduction of computer coding at primary levels of education.

Digitalization also provides a level playing field. Going forward, my prediction is that more women will be recruited into maritime technology roles, as men and women are equally qualified to embark on such careers.

We have an ambitious and tech-savvy cohort of young professionals with a desire to make a difference. But as an industry, we must act together to raise awareness of the array of opportunities on offer within shipping and to actively engage with the next generation to secure a sustainable future for the industry.

Elpi Petraki is president of WISTA Hellas and works at the Greek ship management company ENEA Management, which is her family business.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

educational programs
mentorship opportunities
vocational training

This program, along with scholarships and training opportunities, helps women progress in their careers and become visible role models.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

educational programs
inclusive policies
vocational training

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Efforts to promote gender diversity in these sectors are supported by organizations and governments through educational programs, vocational training, and inclusive policies.

Title:

Content: Crewing shortages could be addressed with greater inclusion of women

–First Lady tells maritime industry stakeholders
WHILE speaking at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) Gala and Anchor Awards at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday evening, First Lady Arya Ali advocated for greater inclusion of women in the maritime industry through training and job opportunities.

Mrs. Ali served as patron of the Gala and Anchor Awards which honours stalwarts in the cargo and cruise industry for their accomplishments and positive impact on the Caribbean shipping and maritime sector.
This year, the Gala and Anchor Awards was held under the theme: “Talent in your backyard”. Noting that talent exists here in the Caribbean, Mrs. Ali posited that talent is underutilised when women are unable to access opportunities and contribute to the development of the region’s maritime industry.

She drew attention to the fact that women represent only 1.2 per cent of the global seafarer workforce as per the BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report, underscoring that this represented a positive trend in gender balance, with the report estimating 24,059 women serving as seafarers, which is a 45.8 per cent increase compared with the 2015 report.

“Now, imagine if we were to make more opportunities available to women in the maritime sector, how many of our challenges could be addressed – including crewing shortages,” she told a gathering of almost 200 people, which included executives from some of the largest shipping and cruise line companies in the Caribbean.

With the global shipping industry suffering acute crewing shortages, particularly among officers, the First Lady said that this is the ideal time for companies and agencies to think about greater inclusion of women in the industry.
“Important in all of this is ensuring we create an environment in which women are identified and selected for career development opportunities in the maritime industry,” she said, adding that the Government of Guyana remains committed to supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women through gender specific fellowships and other opportunities.

She highlighted an ongoing collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Atlantic Alliance Maritime and Offshore Training Institute – a 100 per cent woman-owned Guyanese company – through which 100 women from the hinterlands are being provided with scholarships for maritime training.
Mrs. Ali said that efforts like these must continue with support from partners like ACMF, which has since provided scholarships to 42 Guyanese.

“…it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge the 42 scholarships which have been provided to Guyanese through the Foundation for Maritime Training. As Guyana’s maritime sector continues to rapidly expand, these kinds of investments in local companies and in our human resource will prove to be invaluable to our nation’s development,” she said.

Mrs. Ali also used the opportunity to urge players in the industry to reassess their individual and collective roles – both at the national and regional levels – and to rethink as industry professionals, government officials, diplomats, experts, and even advocates how they could build an industry that is more resilient, reliable, and inclusive.

The event was attended by a number of officials including President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley; President of the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Professor Andrew Spencer; President of ACMF, Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger; and Director-General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Rear Admiral Peter Brady among others.

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What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

educational programs
inclusive policies
vocational training

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

educational programs
inclusive policies
vocational training

These initiatives aim to create a more equitable environment, enabling women to take on roles traditionally dominated by men and contribute to sustainable development.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

This transformation not only benefits women but also enhances the industries by bringing diverse perspectives and addressing labor shortages.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?