Farkhana Safargaleeva, a seasoned crane operator, embarked on her career immediately after finishing school and has accumulated over 15 years of experience in the field.

After taking a break, Safargaleeva returned to crane operation and has been working passionately for the past five years, demonstrating her enduring commitment to the profession.

Her family has been a source of unwavering support, encouraging her interest and success in this traditionally male-dominated role.

Similarly, Natalia Danilova, a compressor operator at Unity LLP, has spent 16 years in the construction industry, describing it as her dream job.

Danilova emphasizes the importance of maintaining good health to sustain her career and expresses her desire to continue working until retirement.

Women like Safargaleeva and Danilova exemplify how calmness and attentiveness—qualities often associated with women—can contribute to excelling in crane operation.

Modern women are increasingly breaking stereotypes by thriving in professions traditionally dominated by men, such as crane operation.

At Unity LLP, women make up a significant portion of the workforce, with 25 out of 152 employees being women, and their professional skills are widely recognized.

Chief Engineer Andrei Nekrasov acknowledges the exceptional professionalism of women at Unity LLP, noting their ability to faithfully perform their duties and mentor younger colleagues.

The construction industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated sector, with women historically relegated to peripheral roles or excluded entirely.

Societal norms, gender stereotypes, and unequal opportunities have significantly contributed to the underrepresentation of women in construction roles.

However, this trend is beginning to shift as more women break into the field, challenging traditional gender barriers.

Women in construction have overcome numerous challenges and stereotypes, proving their capabilities and inspiring others to pursue careers in male-dominated industries.

Empowering women in construction not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to sustainable development, benefiting both the industry and society at large.

Despite these advancements, women in construction still face challenges such as limited access to education and training opportunities, particularly in STEM fields.

Societal expectations and domestic responsibilities often conflict with the demanding nature of construction work, making it difficult for women to balance professional and personal lives.

Nevertheless, many women have successfully entered the construction industry through perseverance, overcoming obstacles such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and societal pressures.

Government initiatives, including educational programs, vocational training, mentorship opportunities, and inclusive policies, play a crucial role in supporting and empowering women in the construction industry.

For example, Ferrexpo has implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy since 2020, resulting in a 60% increase in women in leadership positions over three years.

In 2022, Ferrexpo further demonstrated its commitment to gender equality by signing the Women’s Empowerment Principles to promote career opportunities for women.

The company also offers male parental leave programs to support women’s career growth, ensuring family income stability during transitions.

Embedding inclusion efforts at all organizational levels ensures that gender parity becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Training programs that include mentorship, skill-building workshops, and leadership development opportunities are instrumental in helping women succeed in technical fields.

Leadership support and well-researched DEI policies significantly boost confidence in fair treatment, aiding in the recruitment and retention of dedicated workers.

Employers in Ukraine are actively attracting women to atypical positions and supporting their retraining to adapt to new roles.

Meest Group, for instance, has formed entire women’s teams in roles such as warehouse employees, sorting center staff, and operational department heads.

The company has also adjusted operational processes and introduced technology to create more comfortable working conditions for women.

Women at Meest Group have demonstrated effective work characterized by consistency, adaptability, and openness to new knowledge.

Meest Group plans to attract women to courier positions and is making adjustments to accommodate the physical demands of these roles.

Similarly, ATB employs over 56,000 Ukrainians, with 67% being women, and has adapted to include women in roles traditionally considered male, such as security guards.

ATB also provides free training for employees, enabling women to gain new skills and advance in their careers, including in male-dominated roles like loader drivers.

At Ferrexpo, women have advanced in operating heavy machinery, such as dump trucks and mining equipment, through targeted training and mentorship programs.

Ferrexpo has successfully addressed gender biases, increasing trust in female leaders and motivating employees to pursue professional development.

The shipping industry has also made progress in recruiting and retaining women, particularly at junior and trainee levels, though fewer women occupy senior roles.

When women constitute 30% of decision-making forums, they are no longer treated as 'exceptional,' fostering more inclusive environments and reducing backlash to DEI efforts.

It is important to recognize that women in the workforce are diverse in their needs, with workplace requirements varying based on factors such as age, nationality, ethnicity, and gender identity.

Technical positions, such as fleet and port management, show slower progress in gender inclusion compared to fields like HR and marketing, underscoring the need for targeted initiatives in technical roles.

Peer support systems are pivotal in fostering an inclusive workplace, but disparities based on factors like nationality and culture must be addressed to ensure all employees feel valued.

Regular feedback mechanisms and updated policies can help maintain employee morale and engagement, particularly during challenging industry conditions.

Embedding fair practices and equality is a key differentiator for success in a global and competitive workforce.

Farkhana Safargaleeva, a seasoned crane operator, embarked on her career immediately after finishing school and has accumulated over 15 years of experience in the field.

Title:

Content: Women in Male Occupations
8 March
23: 08 4 March 2022
Farkhana Safargaleeva immediately after school, together with her friend, decided to enter the crane operator.
Romance or inner call - what pulled the fragile girl to manage the crane, build houses and make panels, she does not know.
She said she liked the job from the start.
Farkhana Safargaleeva, crane operator of “Unity ” LLP:
— We graduated from the GPTU, in the direction of us were sent here to the precast.
She worked here for 15 years, decree, perestroika, then went to other construction works.
I already as 5 years returned to this concrete concrete, my heart was sick for my crane, I love, I love this crane very much, I love working on the crane.
But, I did not even expect that I was before retirement, I am already 59 years old, I will return here.
How many houses were erected in the region with the help of skillful actions and many years of experience of crane operator Farkhana Safargaleeva, it is simply impossible to count.
Such qualities as calmness and attentiveness help in the work.
Her burning eyes are seen not only in the profession, but also at home.
A husband, a daughter and a small grandson will all gather at the festive table on March 8.
Farkhana Safargaleyeva ’ s relatives support her interest and success.
Anastasia Kuznetsova, correspondent:
— A woman is calm and brisk, vulnerable and warlike, tender and strong.
Modern women break stereotypes, showing the world how they can create and create.
In the “male ” professions, among other things.
"Unity" LLP produces reinforced concrete products.
The company employs 152 people, including 25 women.
Chief engineer Andrei Nekrasov says that they skillfully show their skills.
Andrey Nekrasov, Chief Engineer of Unity LLP:
— Our company employs a large number of women who are excellent professionals and faithfully perform their work.
It passed, one might say, Crimea and Rome here.
She is an excellent professional, she transfers her skills to young professionals.
Another representative of the fair sex in LLP "Unity" - Natalia Danilova.
She's a compressor operator.
Working in the construction industry is her dream.
And it came true.
All my life I have dreamed of working in the construction industry.
16 she devoted to ensuring the continuous operation of the enterprise.
Natalia Danilova, operator of the compressor unit of “Unity ” LLP:
I have been working here since 2006 for 16 years.
I like my job here.
We supply cement so that our production does not stand, pour slabs, pour panels.
The most important thing is health, so that the world will be around 03.54 and to finish until my retirement – that ’ s my wish.
On the eve of the holiday on March 8, according to tradition, all the men of the enterprise will set a table and give gifts to women who give their strength to such a difficult, but so beloved for them work.
Anastasia Kuznetsova
Read also
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Women of different professions were congratulated on March 8

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

After taking a break, Safargaleeva returned to crane operation and has been working passionately for the past five years, demonstrating her enduring commitment to the profession.

Her family has been a source of unwavering support, encouraging her interest and success in this traditionally male-dominated role.

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

Similarly, Natalia Danilova, a compressor operator at Unity LLP, has spent 16 years in the construction industry, describing it as her dream job.

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

Danilova emphasizes the importance of maintaining good health to sustain her career and expresses her desire to continue working until retirement.

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

Women like Safargaleeva and Danilova exemplify how calmness and attentiveness—qualities often associated with women—can contribute to excelling in crane operation.

Modern women are increasingly breaking stereotypes by thriving in professions traditionally dominated by men, such as crane operation.

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?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

At Unity LLP, women make up a significant portion of the workforce, with 25 out of 152 employees being women, and their professional skills are widely recognized.

Chief Engineer Andrei Nekrasov acknowledges the exceptional professionalism of women at Unity LLP, noting their ability to faithfully perform their duties and mentor younger colleagues.

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

The construction industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated sector, with women historically relegated to peripheral roles or excluded entirely.

Title:

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?

Societal norms, gender stereotypes, and unequal opportunities have significantly contributed to the underrepresentation of women in construction roles.

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

However, this trend is beginning to shift as more women break into the field, challenging traditional gender barriers.

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?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

Women in construction have overcome numerous challenges and stereotypes, proving their capabilities and inspiring others to pursue careers in male-dominated industries.

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 challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

Empowering women in construction not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to sustainable development, benefiting both the industry and society at large.

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

Despite these advancements, women in construction still face challenges such as limited access to education and training opportunities, particularly in STEM fields.

Societal expectations and domestic responsibilities often conflict with the demanding nature of construction work, making it difficult for women to balance professional and personal lives.

Nevertheless, many women have successfully entered the construction industry through perseverance, overcoming obstacles such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and societal pressures.

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?

Government initiatives, including educational programs, vocational training, mentorship opportunities, and inclusive policies, play a crucial role in supporting and empowering women in the construction industry.

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?

create training and apprenticeship programs

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

mentorship opportunities
vocational training
inclusive policies
educational programs

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

For example, Ferrexpo has implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy since 2020, resulting in a 60% increase in women in leadership positions over three years.

Title:

Content: ua en ru
(not) women's professions.
How the war has changed the labor market, and Ukrainian women are increasingly mastering “male ” professions
The war has replaced the labor market, and Ukrainian women are increasingly mastering “male ” professions (Getty Images)
Author: Spetsproekt
Since the beginning of the full-scale war in many areas of the Ukrainian labor market there is a shortage of personnel.
In particular, there is a shortage of specialists in professions that are usually considered “male ”.
However, employers are ready to attract women to atypical positions, and Ukrainian women more actively respond to such vacancies and undergo retraining.
Meest, ATB and Ferrexpo tell about the professions in which women replace men during the war - in a special project for RBC-Ukraine.
Meest Group: whole women ’ s teams occupying “male ” positions
In the international postal and logistics group of companies Meest, historically, women are an integral part of the team: they work with finance, personnel, marketing, are regional directors and partners.
At the same time, due to the specifics of the work - sorting, transportation, logistics - the linear staff of the company, which is two-thirds of the staff, previously consisted mainly of men.
After the start of Russia ’ s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this began to change.
According to the company, since February 2022, part of Meest has joined the Defense Forces: today, the state is protected by more than 130 employees of the company.
Many were forced to change their place of residence within the country or even go abroad.
“We clearly saw a change in trend around the summer of 2022.
At that time, we were able to solve the most critical issues with the help of employees, adaptation of operational work, etc.
And they restored the recruitment of people to positions that, for one reason or another, were vacant.
We noticed that it is women who respond most actively, including roles that were previously considered purely male, ” the company added.
Since then, companies have begun to attract women, and over the following months this trend has only intensified.
As of now, Meest has formed entire women ’ s teams, occupying “male ” positions.
In total, these are three categories of personnel: employees of warehouses, sorting centers, as well as heads of operational departments.
“If earlier our warehouse teams were more than 80% men, now some units are 70% women.
The distribution of the staff of warehouse centers has also changed significantly - in some areas it is already 50% to 50%, sometimes even with the advantage of female staff.
To do this, the company has changed some operational processes, as well as introduced technology so that women were comfortable working in new conditions, ” Meest said.
At first, the involvement of women in the composition, logistics were treated with caution: the work is extremely difficult both physically and morally.
Within a few months, all doubts were gone.
Women ’ s teams and women show extremely effective work.
The company distinguishes their consistency and structure, as well as elasticity and adaptability.
In general, they are always open to new knowledge and opportunities - and they are strongly supported in this.
The changes also affected the management of the operating departments – now the company has many women in these positions, more than in previous years.
And it is important that in many cases, the leaders grow from the inner team.
For example, during the war, a woman became the head of a branch in one of the regional centers, who had previously worked as an operator at this location - and now performs her own functions without complaint.
“Our plans are to attract women to the posts of couriers.
This area also has its own challenges, because we deliver packages up to 30 kg inclusive.
Therefore, here the company needs to adjust to allow women to work with less weight - and work in this direction is already underway, "the company said.
In the near future, Meest is convinced that the most active will be two categories of search engines – women, as well as veterans and veterans.
They need changes in recruiting and operating processes, so the company is actively working on this: they introduce new technologies and procedures for both women and veterans of both sexes, and for the latter they began to attract psychologists for the purpose of moral support.
“In the end, we see that our people are ready to work and give results under any circumstances.
The main thing is to create comfortable and transparent conditions for them, ” the company concluded.
ATB: the company of strong women
As of today, more than 56 thousand Ukrainians are employed at ATB enterprises, 67% of which are representatives of the fair sex.
Historically, work in grocery retail is considered female, although it requires maximum involvement and dedication.
As the experience of the company has shown, for a Ukrainian woman there is no night impossible.
Leading programmer of the company Kristina Mishchenko at one time made an ascent to the mountain with a height of 6,500 m, set the Ukrainian flag and the ATB flag on the top.
As of today, more than 4.5 thousand ATB employees have joined the ranks of the APU, the Defense Ministry and the National Guard.
If you count only male staff, then about 30% of men are mobilized.
In view of this, women have already adapted, for example, to work as security guards.
On average, almost every store in the network has such an employee.
The number of women involved in what was previously thought to be purely male positions depends on the circumstances, but in some cases it reaches 50%.
The personnel policy of the company is aimed at the development of human resources.
If a woman seeks to become a specialist of an extra-class, to take the coveted position, then a priori cannot be any conventions.
In particular, we are talking about the so-called division into traditionally "female" or "male" positions.
However, it is important to understand that not all women can do men ’ s work.
The complete absence of gender stereotypes in the company proves that more than two thirds of the staff are women.
Among colleagues and business partners, ATB is even called a company of strong women.
“Through dedicated work, the company has withstood the powerful blow of a full-scale invasion, acquired the title of“ network of indestructibility ” and became an outpost of food security of the whole country, ” the company says.
In the ATB, there were many examples of how women work effectively and quickly climb the career ladder in professions that can be considered “male ”, for example, leading key regions, dealing with safety, security, etc.
Also, the company is proud of its training centers in Dnipro, Kiev, Lviv and Odessa.
Annually more than 4 thousand employees undergo free training and improve their skills there.
There are no gender restrictions or stereotypes.
“Women and men gain new skills, master the desired professions, become specialists of the highest level and quickly rise to career levels in the team of the leader of domestic retail.
As for the "male" professions, our women master the specialty of "loader driver".
It is possible to “work ” such physically difficult activities, but such a replacement will be incredibly valuable and very slow.
Therefore, the solution of this issue was taken into their hands by our guardians, ” the ATB stated.
Ferrexpo: support for women 's leadership and decrees for men
Ferrexpo is one of the trendsetters of large Ukrainian business, demonstrating an integrated approach to issues of inclusiveness and gender equality.
In 2022, the company signed the Women ’ s Empowerment Principles to promote gender equality.
Therefore, one of the group's priorities is diversity at the managerial level and the promotion of career opportunities for women.
Since 2020, Ferrexpo has been implementing a comprehensive DE & I strategy, implementing the principles of inclusiveness and gender equality.
Thanks to her, over the past three years, the number of women in leadership positions in Grade 10 + (management staff) has increased by 60%.
The share of women in leadership positions in 2022 was 21%, the goal is to reach the figure of 25% by 2030.
“The introduction of ideas of gender equality has increased the stability of staff, readiness for innovation and the ability to respond quickly to the challenges of the time.
This decision allowed us to strengthen relations with foreign partners, because they are pleased to cooperate with companies where the same level of trust in managers and managers, ” the company said.
According to her, within enterprises, this has allowed to change the views of male skeptics and successfully overcome prejudices against female leaders.
The employees of the enterprises felt their value for the production process, which motivated them to further develop their professional qualities.
Elena Nikolaevchuk-Neroda, who has been working as a driver of motor vehicles in her career at Yeristovsky GOK since 2018, dreamed of driving a car since childhood.
This dream she was able to realize in Ferrexpo.
At one time, Elena was offered a job as a BelAZ driver, and she agreed, although she did not have previous experience driving such a car.
The nuances of work during the internship were taught by experienced mentors.
For 5 years of work, Elena worked in a career on a car, after obtaining a driving license of category C, she began to drive MAZ and KrAZ dump trucks.
Then switched to more powerful Bell and Caterpillar with a carrying capacity of 40 and 90 tons, already has a certificate that allows you to control the 220-ton.
In the future, Elena plans to master other mining equipment - a bulldozer and an excavator.
In addition, the company has a male decree program that allows women to continue their career growth.
If in the family of Ferrexpo employees a woman wants to leave maternity leave earlier in order to continue to grow professionally, a man can take care of the child until he reaches the age of three.
At the same time, the company takes care that the family income does not become less: if a man has a large salary, but goes on maternity leave and the family because of this decreases the total income, Ferrexpo compensates for this amount.
“The hardest thing about the decree is not being able to work, I missed my job very much.
I am grateful to the man who supported my desire to return to the workplace in a year.
This is our second daughter, so I am sure that my husband will cope, and I can safely perform everyday duties, ” admits Olga Romantsova, a specialist in the production department of the foundry and mechanical workshop.
The practice of “male ” decrees is gaining momentum, because the company understands the importance of development for both men and women.
In general, the company will emphasize that the Ferrexpo workforce is a community where everyone has access to equal opportunities - mastering new professions, improving skills, career growth and development of the company, regardless of gender.
In addition, the company received the opportunity to replenish the team with professional personnel (both men and women), especially with regard to vacancies that became critical in the conditions of martial law.

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?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

appoint women to traditionally male roles

In 2022, Ferrexpo further demonstrated its commitment to gender equality by signing the Women’s Empowerment Principles to promote career opportunities for women.

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?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

The company also offers male parental leave programs to support women’s career growth, ensuring family income stability during transitions.

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

being able to support their families
being able to combine work and family

Embedding inclusion efforts at all organizational levels ensures that gender parity becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Title:

Content: Seatrade Maritime is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

5 key takeaways for DEI in maritime

Photo: Diversity Study Group
Heidi Heseltine founder of Diversity Study Group
Effective diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are built on clear insight, agreed upon outcomes, and targeted approaches — intentionally working to avoid the inevitable pitfalls of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Drawing on data-led insights from members of the Diversity Study Group (DSG), Founder Heidi Heseltine offers 5 key insights on getting the basics right in maritime.

1. Building inclusion throughout an organisation’s levels

We know that shipping has made vital progress in recruiting and retaining women in certain sectors over the last few years, with significant effort put in into achieving a more gender balanced workforce. For instance, we’ve seen improvements in closing the gap in more junior/trainee levels and in management positions — though these numbers drop off at head of department and director roles, indicating fewer women in executive and senior roles.

While the knee-jerk reaction to this would be to specifically target greater inclusion only at specific tiers of management — which is often effective and can look great on corporate ESG registers — organisations should look to embed and maintain inclusion efforts at all levels, so that gender-parity is reflected throughout the business whether lower level or higher. After all, we know from well-established research that when women make up 30% in any given decision-making forum they stop being treated as ‘exceptional’ and additional women are not seen as particularly remarkable or threatening. This can be particularly key for creating welcoming spaces and proactively preventing backlash to DEI efforts, where possible. If the goal is embedding sustainable and resilient DEI practices, then our focus must be on ensuring that having women in all spaces in reasonable numbers is not the exception, but the rule.

2. Avoiding seeing women in maritime as a monolith

Women are diverse in their requirements of a workplace and its culture, and should not be lumped into a single group defined by our presumptions. When considering what DEI approaches work best at sea or even on shore, we need to account for the fact that our global workforces are culturally diverse and have different levels of awareness when it comes to gender, age, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity and gender identity, amongst others. Societal norms, local legislation, and what is understood as ‘diverse’ can vary based on lived experience as well as the demographics of those involved. Understanding what is important to the women in individual workplaces and how we as an industry can support them will help us develop appropriate action plans for the short and long term.

3. Creating support systems to enable gender parity in technical positions

Technical positions, fleet and port management are slower to evidence change and inclusion when compared to progress seen in more traditionally female-led fields like maritime finance, Human Resources (HR), and Communications and Marketing. Organisations keen to address this disparity might benefit from creating training programs that include mentorship initiatives, skill-building workshops, and leadership development opportunities tailored to women in technical fields. This can foster confidence for the employee and their co-worker, help establish relationships for them to draw on in the workplace, and ensure they have the sector-specific knowledge and tools that they need to succeed.

4. Fostering relationships and embedding peer support

Following on from the previous point, peer support often plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive workplace but this doesn’t mean that disparities may not persist among different groups of people. Working with DSG, I’ve seen factors such as nationality, culture, ethnicity, and location all help or hinder DEI efforts. This is why it is crucial to closely monitor changes in perceptions, especially during challenging industry conditions, to prevent any employee from feeling undervalued or unsupported since this can impact engagement, efficiency and productivity. It’s important that organisations proactively work to recognise and address any issues in morale, which then helps maintain employee wellbeing and ensures a continued level of performance and investment in the organisation’s goals. Regular feedback mechanisms and evolving and updated policies can help support better company culture.

5. The support of leadership in successful DEI practices

Data from our members at DSG indicates that simply having knowledge of an organisation's commitment to equality, with good intentions evolving to well-researched and considered action and policy, significantly boosts confidence in fair treatment. This is often irrespective of group affiliations benefiting from such policies — everyone benefits from the process.

This confidence in a company’s commitments not only supports recruitment and retention — as establishing a sense of belonging and fairness often attracts dedicated workers and keeps them — but often helps elevate the public and private profiles of the organisation and its leaders.

The future of our workforce is global; to remain competitive within and outside of our industry, embedding fair practices and equality is likely to be a key differentiator for success.

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?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

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

Training programs that include mentorship, skill-building workshops, and leadership development opportunities are instrumental in helping women succeed in technical fields.

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

create training and apprenticeship programs

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

mentorship opportunities
vocational training
educational programs

Leadership support and well-researched DEI policies significantly boost confidence in fair treatment, aiding in the recruitment and retention of dedicated workers.

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?

Employers in Ukraine are actively attracting women to atypical positions and supporting their retraining to adapt to new roles.

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?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

appoint women to traditionally male roles

create training and apprenticeship programs

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

Meest Group, for instance, has formed entire women’s teams in roles such as warehouse employees, sorting center staff, and operational department heads.

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

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

appoint women to traditionally male roles

The company has also adjusted operational processes and introduced technology to create more comfortable working conditions for women.

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?

Women at Meest Group have demonstrated effective work characterized by consistency, adaptability, and openness to new knowledge.

Meest Group plans to attract women to courier positions and is making adjustments to accommodate the physical demands of these roles.

Similarly, ATB employs over 56,000 Ukrainians, with 67% being women, and has adapted to include women in roles traditionally considered male, such as security guards.

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?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

appoint women to traditionally male roles

ATB also provides free training for employees, enabling women to gain new skills and advance in their careers, including in male-dominated roles like loader drivers.

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?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

create training and apprenticeship programs

At Ferrexpo, women have advanced in operating heavy machinery, such as dump trucks and mining equipment, through targeted training and mentorship programs.

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?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

create training and apprenticeship programs

Ferrexpo has successfully addressed gender biases, increasing trust in female leaders and motivating employees to pursue professional development.

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?

The shipping industry has also made progress in recruiting and retaining women, particularly at junior and trainee levels, though fewer women occupy senior roles.

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?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

appoint women to traditionally male roles

create training and apprenticeship programs

When women constitute 30% of decision-making forums, they are no longer treated as 'exceptional,' fostering more inclusive environments and reducing backlash to DEI efforts.

It is important to recognize that women in the workforce are diverse in their needs, with workplace requirements varying based on factors such as age, nationality, ethnicity, and gender identity.

Technical positions, such as fleet and port management, show slower progress in gender inclusion compared to fields like HR and marketing, underscoring the need for targeted initiatives in technical roles.

Peer support systems are pivotal in fostering an inclusive workplace, but disparities based on factors like nationality and culture must be addressed to ensure all employees feel valued.

Regular feedback mechanisms and updated policies can help maintain employee morale and engagement, particularly during challenging industry conditions.

Embedding fair practices and equality is a key differentiator for success in a global and competitive workforce.

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

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

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


Science fiction has undergone significant evolution since its early days, transitioning from the speculative works of pioneers like H.G. Wells to a genre that embraces diverse voices and perspectives.

In the early 20th century, science fiction was often dominated by male authors and focused on themes of technological advancement and exploration, reflecting societal interests in industrial progress and scientific discovery.

However, the genre has expanded over time to include narratives that explore social, cultural, and environmental issues, influenced by changing global dynamics and technological developments.

One of the most striking recent trends in science fiction is the rise of Chinese female writers, who are reshaping the genre with unique perspectives and themes centered on women's experiences.

Regina Kanyu Wang, a prominent figure in this movement and a two-time Hugo Award nominee, has highlighted the growing presence of women in Chinese science fiction, which was virtually nonexistent before the 1990s.

This surge in female authorship has led to the publication of four anthologies exclusively featuring works by female and non-binary Chinese authors, marking a significant breakthrough in representation.

The Internet has played a pivotal role in fostering diverse voices in science fiction, serving as a platform that removes traditional barriers imposed by industry and societal stereotypes.

As the audience for science fiction has grown more diverse, the genre is no longer perceived as being exclusively 'written and read by boys,' according to leading Chinese science fiction writer Chen Qiufan.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in science fiction, where contemporary authors from underrepresented demographics, including women and people of color, are making significant contributions to the genre's richness and complexity.

Science fiction has undergone significant evolution since its early days, transitioning from the speculative works of pioneers like H.G. Wells to a genre that embraces diverse voices and perspectives.

Title:

Content: Science Fiction: Chinese Female Writers | Culture | DW | 21.10.2023
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Cultural warp and weft
Science fiction: the rise of Chinese women writers
While the space for feminist expression in China has shrunk further over the past decade, there ’ s good news from this week ’ s World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu: Chinese female writers are thriving in the science fiction world, making them one of the most striking trends in the genre.
The rise of Chinese female writers in science fiction has become one of the most striking trends in the genre, according to participants at this week's World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu.
The World Science Fiction Conference, the world ’ s oldest and most influential science fiction event, was held in China for the first time this year and attracted a large number of local fans, both male and female.
China remains a relatively socially conservative country, and under President Xi Jinping, the space for feminist expression has narrowed further over the past decade.
But author and editor Regina Kanyu Wang, who was nominated for two prestigious Hugo Awards at the World Science Fiction Conference this year, said the number of women writers in science fiction has soared in recent years.
She said more and more women are now realizing that "it's not just nerdy, nerdy science-fiction novels like Liu Cixin [author of the three-body series] that can be published, or can be considered science fiction." Liu Cixin is great, and we all like him.
But there's a lot more to it than Liu Cixin's style. "
The good news, says Wang, is that once women start to become writers, they don ’ t feel they ’ re being treated unequally.
The market and readers need a new perspective, she said.
The 81st World Science Fiction Conference will be held in Chengdu from October 18 to 22.
"Now, many Chinese female science fiction writers focus on issues that women face that men may not feel," Zhou Danxue, a literary scholar at XJCC Liverpool University, told AFP. "These writers can reflect unique female experiences in their own way."
Wang said that in the past two years, four anthologies of Chinese fantasy novels written only by female or non-binary authors have been published, which is a major breakthrough.
There wasn ’ t even an all-female science fiction writer ’ s portfolio before that.
Before the 1990s, there were very few female science fiction writers.
An article in the collection "The Way Spring Comes", which Wang Kanyu participated in compiling, pointed out that the Internet is a training base for women and queer talents.
Author Ni Xueting explained that the widespread use of the Internet “not only brought a new sense of community to people, but also … removed many barriers to writing based on industry and social stereotypes, especially for non-male writers. ”
Chen Qiufan, one of China ’ s leading science fiction writers, told AFP that the genre had traditionally not received special attention and was seen as “written and read by boys. ”
He said there was now a "wider and more diverse audience", estimating that his readers were split equally between men and women.
Chinese women writers begin to make their mark in science fiction
Monet, a 21-year-old woman who visited the science fiction convention on Friday, said she sometimes felt isolated among her own fan base.
“It ’ s hard to share my interests with people who don ’ t understand me.
They ask, "Why does a girl like science fiction?"
She is optimistic about these changes in attitude, pointing out that there are a lot of interested primary and secondary school students at the conference site.
“I think interest in Chinese science fiction has to be nurtured from an early age, ” she says.“ We didn ’ t have that opportunity when we were young … I really envy them, to be honest. ”
(AFP)
© 2023 Deutsche Welle Copyright Notice: All content in this article is protected by copyright law and may not be used without special permission from Deutsche Welle.
Any misconduct will lead to recovery and criminal prosecution.

In the early 20th century, science fiction was often dominated by male authors and focused on themes of technological advancement and exploration, reflecting societal interests in industrial progress and scientific discovery.

What time period produced science fiction works that included idealogies such as capitalism, and communism, and also threats of nuclear power, racism, pollution, and more?

However, the genre has expanded over time to include narratives that explore social, cultural, and environmental issues, influenced by changing global dynamics and technological developments.

What concepts does Ishiguro's literary science fiction novel bring up?

One of the most striking recent trends in science fiction is the rise of Chinese female writers, who are reshaping the genre with unique perspectives and themes centered on women's experiences.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

Regina Kanyu Wang, a prominent figure in this movement and a two-time Hugo Award nominee, has highlighted the growing presence of women in Chinese science fiction, which was virtually nonexistent before the 1990s.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

This surge in female authorship has led to the publication of four anthologies exclusively featuring works by female and non-binary Chinese authors, marking a significant breakthrough in representation.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

The Internet has played a pivotal role in fostering diverse voices in science fiction, serving as a platform that removes traditional barriers imposed by industry and societal stereotypes.

As the audience for science fiction has grown more diverse, the genre is no longer perceived as being exclusively 'written and read by boys,' according to leading Chinese science fiction writer Chen Qiufan.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in science fiction, where contemporary authors from underrepresented demographics, including women and people of color, are making significant contributions to the genre's richness and complexity.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?


Chinese female writers are experiencing a significant rise in the science fiction genre, as highlighted during the World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu, marking a notable trend in the evolution of the field.

Regina Kanyu Wang, a prominent figure in the genre and a two-time Hugo Award nominee, has observed a remarkable increase in the number of women contributing to Chinese science fiction in recent years.

These writers are increasingly addressing themes and issues unique to women, offering narratives and perspectives that are distinct from those traditionally explored by male authors.

In a significant milestone, four anthologies of Chinese fantasy novels authored exclusively by female or non-binary writers have been published within the last two years, signaling a breakthrough in representation.

Historically, the presence of female science fiction writers in China was minimal, with very few active in the genre prior to the 1990s.

The advent of the Internet has played a transformative role in amplifying diverse voices, serving as a platform that dismantles traditional barriers and stereotypes, particularly for women and queer writers.

Chen Qiufan, a leading voice in Chinese science fiction, has noted a shift in the genre's audience, which was once predominantly male but has now expanded to include a broader and more diverse readership.

Chinese female writers are experiencing a significant rise in the science fiction genre, as highlighted during the World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu, marking a notable trend in the evolution of the field.

Title:

Content: Science Fiction: Chinese Female Writers | Culture | DW | 21.10.2023
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Advertisement
Cultural warp and weft
Science fiction: the rise of Chinese women writers
While the space for feminist expression in China has shrunk further over the past decade, there ’ s good news from this week ’ s World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu: Chinese female writers are thriving in the science fiction world, making them one of the most striking trends in the genre.
The rise of Chinese female writers in science fiction has become one of the most striking trends in the genre, according to participants at this week's World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu.
The World Science Fiction Conference, the world ’ s oldest and most influential science fiction event, was held in China for the first time this year and attracted a large number of local fans, both male and female.
China remains a relatively socially conservative country, and under President Xi Jinping, the space for feminist expression has narrowed further over the past decade.
But author and editor Regina Kanyu Wang, who was nominated for two prestigious Hugo Awards at the World Science Fiction Conference this year, said the number of women writers in science fiction has soared in recent years.
She said more and more women are now realizing that "it's not just nerdy, nerdy science-fiction novels like Liu Cixin [author of the three-body series] that can be published, or can be considered science fiction." Liu Cixin is great, and we all like him.
But there's a lot more to it than Liu Cixin's style. "
The good news, says Wang, is that once women start to become writers, they don ’ t feel they ’ re being treated unequally.
The market and readers need a new perspective, she said.
The 81st World Science Fiction Conference will be held in Chengdu from October 18 to 22.
"Now, many Chinese female science fiction writers focus on issues that women face that men may not feel," Zhou Danxue, a literary scholar at XJCC Liverpool University, told AFP. "These writers can reflect unique female experiences in their own way."
Wang said that in the past two years, four anthologies of Chinese fantasy novels written only by female or non-binary authors have been published, which is a major breakthrough.
There wasn ’ t even an all-female science fiction writer ’ s portfolio before that.
Before the 1990s, there were very few female science fiction writers.
An article in the collection "The Way Spring Comes", which Wang Kanyu participated in compiling, pointed out that the Internet is a training base for women and queer talents.
Author Ni Xueting explained that the widespread use of the Internet “not only brought a new sense of community to people, but also … removed many barriers to writing based on industry and social stereotypes, especially for non-male writers. ”
Chen Qiufan, one of China ’ s leading science fiction writers, told AFP that the genre had traditionally not received special attention and was seen as “written and read by boys. ”
He said there was now a "wider and more diverse audience", estimating that his readers were split equally between men and women.
Chinese women writers begin to make their mark in science fiction
Monet, a 21-year-old woman who visited the science fiction convention on Friday, said she sometimes felt isolated among her own fan base.
“It ’ s hard to share my interests with people who don ’ t understand me.
They ask, "Why does a girl like science fiction?"
She is optimistic about these changes in attitude, pointing out that there are a lot of interested primary and secondary school students at the conference site.
“I think interest in Chinese science fiction has to be nurtured from an early age, ” she says.“ We didn ’ t have that opportunity when we were young … I really envy them, to be honest. ”
(AFP)
© 2023 Deutsche Welle Copyright Notice: All content in this article is protected by copyright law and may not be used without special permission from Deutsche Welle.
Any misconduct will lead to recovery and criminal prosecution.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

Regina Kanyu Wang, a prominent figure in the genre and a two-time Hugo Award nominee, has observed a remarkable increase in the number of women contributing to Chinese science fiction in recent years.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

These writers are increasingly addressing themes and issues unique to women, offering narratives and perspectives that are distinct from those traditionally explored by male authors.

In a significant milestone, four anthologies of Chinese fantasy novels authored exclusively by female or non-binary writers have been published within the last two years, signaling a breakthrough in representation.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

More female authors
More Non-binary authors

Historically, the presence of female science fiction writers in China was minimal, with very few active in the genre prior to the 1990s.

The advent of the Internet has played a transformative role in amplifying diverse voices, serving as a platform that dismantles traditional barriers and stereotypes, particularly for women and queer writers.

Chen Qiufan, a leading voice in Chinese science fiction, has noted a shift in the genre's audience, which was once predominantly male but has now expanded to include a broader and more diverse readership.


Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa experienced a decline of 16% in 2020, dropping to $40 billion from $47 billion in 2019, but rebounded to $45 billion in 2022, signaling a recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

Africa's demographic and economic potential is immense, with its population projected to reach 2.53 billion by 2050 and combined consumer and business spending estimated at $16.12 trillion.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is creating a single market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, enhancing the region's attractiveness for foreign investors.

China remains a dominant player in Africa, with trade volume reaching a record $282 billion in 2022 and direct investments exceeding $10 billion over the past two decades.

The UAE has focused on sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and logistics, aiming to achieve sustainable development in Africa through projects such as green hydrogen and agricultural technology.

Major global companies, including Google, Toyota, and Samsung, have established operations in Africa, with Google committing $1 billion to support digital transformation on the continent.

West Africa, particularly Ghana, is emerging as a tech hub, while Mauritius is recognized for its favorable business environment, ranking highest in sub-Saharan Africa on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.

India has become the fifth-largest investor in Africa, with 18 of its 25 newly established embassies located on the continent, reflecting its growing economic engagement.

The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has facilitated partnerships, with 120 projects worth $10.3 billion signed during its third edition, emphasizing innovation and cooperation.

African businesses in banking and telecoms have demonstrated global competitiveness through technology-led innovation, further enhancing the region's investment appeal.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa experienced a decline of 16% in 2020, dropping to $40 billion from $47 billion in 2019, but rebounded to $45 billion in 2022, signaling a recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

Title:

Content: Global investors waiting to pour in money in Africa to firewall China

By IANS | Published: August 2, 2021 02:09 PM2021-08-02T14:09:05+5:302021-08-02T14:25:34+5:30

New Delhi, Aug 2: After a tepid inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Africa in 2020 amid the ...

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New Delhi, Aug 2: After a tepid inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Africa in 2020 amid the Covid-19, investors are once again warming up to the continent. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), FDI flows into Africa declined by 16 per cent in 2020 to $40 billion, from $47 billion in 2019.

China, the primary investor in the continent, has also slowed down its investments into the continent leaving an opportunity for other investors.

While the UNCTAD projected FDI inflow into Africa to grow this year, it said that the slow vaccine roll-out programme is a cause for concern. According to UNCTAD, FDI to the continent is projected to grow by only 5 per cent in 2021. But analysts said Africa as an investment destination has led to "an unprecedented curiosity" among other countries, which are now aggressively looking to mute China's dominance in the continent.

"Africa is critical in the new geopolitical and geo-economic contours. The continent, with its vast natural resources, offers a ready growth platform," an analyst told India Narrative.

According to a study published by Brookings Institution last week, Africa is home to 17 per cent of the world population. However, by 2050, it will have 26 per cent of the global population 2.53 billion people. "If Africa is not successfully integrated into the global economy, there could be a major threat to global prosperity and stability," the study said, adding that by 2050, the continent will be home to an estimated $16.12 trillion of combined consumer and business spending.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – the mega trade could give a push to intra-continental investment.

Touted as one of the biggest trade deals in the world, the AfCTA aims to create a single market comprising 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion.

Meanwhile, the US may have woken up late in recognising the potential of Africa but is making all attempts to make up for the lost time.

The Group of Seven or G7 has already decided to support US President Joe Biden's proposal of carving out a mega infrastructure plan under the "Build Back Better World" (B3W) initiative, expected to bring in transparency and sustainability. Besides, the initiative will be carried out only in consultation with local communities.

The G7 in its meeting in June also announced that it will increase its support to the Indo Pacific and Africa. "We resolve to collaborate with partners around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, to actively promote these shared values for the good of all," said the statement.

India too has pressed the pedal on investments in the region. Sources said that the still-born Asia Africa Growth Corridor—the mega infrastructure project that was launched in 2017 to connect Asia and Africa must be revived.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted that Chinese financiers committed $153 billion to African public sector borrowers between 2000 and 2019. "After rapid growth in the 2000s, annual lending commitments to Africa peaked in 2013, the year the BRI was launched. By 2019, though, new Chinese loan commitments amounted to only $7 billion to the continent, down 30 percent from $9.9 billion in 2018," it said.

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Africa's demographic and economic potential is immense, with its population projected to reach 2.53 billion by 2050 and combined consumer and business spending estimated at $16.12 trillion.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is creating a single market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, enhancing the region's attractiveness for foreign investors.

What trends are emerging for African startups in 2022?

China remains a dominant player in Africa, with trade volume reaching a record $282 billion in 2022 and direct investments exceeding $10 billion over the past two decades.

Title:

Content: People 's Daily Online > > Economy and Technology
China-Africa economic and trade cooperation giant ship set sail again
Our reporter Zhao Jiawei, our correspondent Jia Ke
July 3, 2023 08: 57 | Source: Guangming Daily
Small number
Original title: Promoting China-Africa economic and trade cooperation giant ship set sail again
On July 2, the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (hereinafter referred to as the "China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo") officially came to an end. Over the past four days, 53 African countries, 12 international organizations, 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, more than 1,700 enterprises, business associations and financial institutions from China and Africa have participated in the exhibition.
A total of 120 projects have been signed by the parties, with a total value of 10.3 billion US dollars, demonstrating the strong vitality and resilience of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
Convergence of development efforts
On June 30, at the high-end seminar on China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, the Institute of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce released the "Report on China-Africa Economic and Trade Relations 2023".
According to the report, China has maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. In 2022, China-Africa trade volume further increased to 282 billion US dollars, a record high.
China's direct investment in Africa has exceeded 10 billion US dollars in the past 20 years.
In particular, infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa has greatly promoted poverty reduction in our country, "said Dr. Alkabe Okabe, a former special adviser to the Ethiopian prime minister.
“Chinese investors have a lot of courage and perseverance.
We have a very difficult project conditions, foreign enterprises can not avoid, but Chinese enterprises are willing to come to invest and develop, and successfully completed the project. ” Niger Minister of Commerce Ahada Akachi shared the story of Chinese investment in the local area in the keynote speech.
In order to expand the breadth and depth of China-Africa cooperation, the Changsha initiative of "innovation and exploration of in-depth cooperation" in China-Africa economic and trade was also released during the expo, which advocated building consensus on development, strengthening pragmatic economic and trade cooperation, and sharing friendly partnership.
China in the Non-Corporate Social Responsibility Alliance issued the "China in Non-Corporate Social Responsibility Joint Action Initiative", calling on China to actively carry out its mission and responsibilities in non-enterprises, strive to integrate into African development, and draw a blueprint for sustainable development of Africa with the African people and the international parties.
"What China has done is not to teach people to fish, but to teach people to fish." Malawi is one of the guest countries of this exposition. Malawi President Chakvila said that the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, as an important platform for in-depth cooperation between China and Africa, will deepen the links between people, industry and industry, and between countries.
Expanding the circle of young friends in Central Africa
“Is it possible to build a platform to bring together the Chinese people in Africa? ”
With such an idea, we established a foreign home platform and opened the road of entrepreneurship. "On June 30, at the China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, Lei Ting, founder of Hunan Foreign Home Information Technology Co., Ltd., described his entrepreneurial feelings.
At the forum, young people from China and Africa gathered to tell entrepreneurial stories and share innovative experiences.
After countless thoughts, Wang Shuangyin, a Chinese boy, created the drama “Hujiambo, Africa ” to show the support of the Chinese people in life, and won the most characteristic award of the“ Belt and Road ” literary and creative competition. In order to solve the transportation problem of medical supplies in sub-Saharan Africa, Zambian youth Krivet Meba created a digital platform to send basic medical supplies …
There are many stories of China-Africa youth entrepreneurship like this, and the “China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Story Collection ” released at the forum will record their stories into a book and compose a chapter, so that the story of China-Africa youth moving forward side by side and innovation and entrepreneurship will be known by more people.
“The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is a good platform for exchanges, and the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum is a bridge for exchanges between China-Africa youth. ” Mendu, founder of the China-Africa Youth Federation, said that in the future, the youth federation will play its advantages to promote more exchanges between China-Africa youth and let more African youth leaders know about China.
Achieving development outcomes for all
On June 29, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair held the first China-Africa Women's Forum, attended by more than 80 foreign guests from 23 African countries.
The forum adopted the "China-Africa Women's Forum Joint Initiative" on the spot, calling for closer cooperation along the fundamental direction of building a community with a shared future for China and Africa.
“Empowered by mycelium technology, women become an important part of productivity.
The progress of each rural woman will lead to the improvement and progress of the family and ultimately promote the progress of the rural areas, "said Lin Dongmei, deputy director of the National Fungus Engineering Technology Research Center, who is a participant and witness of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa.
Through the implementation of the Chinese government's foreign aid project and the China-United Nations Peace and Development Fund fungus project, the National Fungus Center has pioneered the model of "10 square meters mushroom farm" in South Africa, where all women can participate and benefit.
"After they earn money from studying mushrooms, they can send their children to school, open a grocery store in the village, and buy a car to hire people to transport them, changing the fate of themselves and their families."
“Today ’ s forum is a rare opportunity for us to exchange experiences and bring new hope to the poverty reduction plans of thousands of African people living in misery, ” said Joana Thomas, general secretary of the Women ’ s Liberation Movement of Angola (MPLA).
(Edited by: Yang Xi, Lu Qian)
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The UAE has focused on sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and logistics, aiming to achieve sustainable development in Africa through projects such as green hydrogen and agricultural technology.

Title:

Content: 00: 00
Expo 2020 Dubai Today
UAE seeks to boost investment flow with African countries at Expo 2020
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, held a series of meetings with ministers, officials and businessmen from African countries to discuss ways to stimulate trade and investment flows between the UAE and the continent.
During the meetings, Dr. Al Zeyoudi reviewed the economic opportunities and potential of the UAE-Africa partnership in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, minerals and logistics.
During the meetings, Dr. Al Zeyoudi briefed the ministers on the developments in the UAE ’ s economic environment during the past phase, including the 50 projects, new economic legislations and qualitative initiatives launched by the UAE to shift to a new economic model based on knowledge and characterized by flexibility, competitiveness and sustainability.
In his meeting with Dr. Chilichi Kabuibwe, Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Al-Zeyoudi pointed to opportunities to increase the current volume of trade exchange between the UAE and the 21 African member countries of COMESA through greater cooperation in areas such as logistics and advanced technology.
In his meeting with H.E. Ntabazi Harriet, Minister of State for Trade of the Republic of Uganda, Thani Al Zeyoudi focused on investment opportunities in agriculture, minerals and retail sectors, and discussed the possibility of investing in irrigation systems and agricultural technology that can enhance the production of key crops such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton and flowers.
In a related context, the renewable energy sector, specifically green hydrogen, was the main focus of the discussions that took place during her meeting with Her Excellency Naha Bint Hamdi Ould Meknes, Minister of Trade, Industry, Handicrafts and Tourism of Mauritania, and Her Excellency Lucia Ibombo, Minister of Manufacturing and Trade of Namibia. for production.
H.E. Al Zeyoudi also held constructive talks with H.E. Sikai Nzinza, Minister of Industry and Trade of Zimbabwe; H.E. Carlos Alberto Fortis Mesquita, Minister of Industry and Trade of Mozambique; H.E. Maween Diggs, Minister of Trade and Industry of Liberia; H.E. Thabiso Paul, Minister of Trade and Industry of Lesotho; H.E. Edward Henga Sande, Minister of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone; H.E. Ndir Nigel Hahel Mead Hassan, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade of Seychelles, David Osiani, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development of Kenya, and Admaso Tadesse, President of the Trade and Development Bank of Kenya.
H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi stressed that Africa is one of the most attractive markets in the world for foreign direct investment, as it enjoys huge investment opportunities in vital and strategic sectors for the UAE such as renewable energy, agriculture and logistics.
He added: “The UAE seeks to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with the African continent, especially as there are common visions between the two sides to achieve sustainable development through future-oriented projects such as green hydrogen, renewable energy and the deployment of agricultural technology solutions, which was highlighted during joint meetings with ministers and senior officials. ”
Al Zeyoudi said: “The UAE continues to implement its ambitious plans to establish itself as a key global gateway for regional and global trade and investment flows. The UAE also provides opportunities for African exporters to access new markets, thanks to its advanced infrastructure linking the country through ports and airports to more than 400 cities around the world, as well as the legislative and regulatory environment that stimulates business and investments. ”
Al-Zeyoudi expressed his aspiration to continue meetings and discussions with ministers and senior officials from African countries to bring trade and investment relations between the UAE and African countries to new heights of growth and prosperity.
His Excellency Thani Al Zeyoudi ’ s series of meetings with ministers and senior officials from Africa are part of the UAE ’ s efforts to expand trade relations with the world, as part of the UAE ’ s ambitious strategy for the next 50 years to build a more dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy.
Talks have been announced in recent weeks to reach a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and Indonesia and India, and a joint statement of intent between the UAE and South Korea on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the two countries was announced on Sunday.
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Major global companies, including Google, Toyota, and Samsung, have established operations in Africa, with Google committing $1 billion to support digital transformation on the continent.

Title:

Content: Optimists talk about Africa as the next economic frontier

By 54m ago

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BY DELIA DE VILLIERS

For years Africa has been shrouded in controversy when it comes to its future potential. The optimists talk about Africa as the next economic frontier, while the sceptics point to a low growth rate, poverty and conflict as key challenges standing in the way of notable development.

Yet, the continent has grown its economy by around 5 percent a year over the past decade, is as urbanised as China and has as many cities as Europe with a population of more than one million, according to Future Agenda.

The World Bank reports that sub-Saharan Africa is “home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under 25 years old by 2050”, suggesting that the workforce of the future is based here. They go on to say that Africa is a “diverse continent offering human and natural resources that have the potential to yield inclusive growth and eradicate poverty”.

While potential is not a measure of performance, what is productive is to consider the motivations of businesses opting either to enter the African market or expand operations on the continent. And that’s notwithstanding the challenges, or as Shaw Mabuto, partner at private equity firm Spear Capital, puts it: “While there are undoubtedly risks in Africa, they are well known and understood. Investors can mitigate for them.”

Spear Capital is particularly excited about the opportunities in the ESG (environmental, social, governance) space in Africa. “There are many businesses that have been able to thrive in spite of the prevailing environment and lack of government support. With the right backing, companies across the continent can grow successfully while at the same time making the world a better place and providing returns to their investors,” Mabuto says.

Google’s recent announcement of plans to invest $1 billion (R15.6bn) to support digital transformation in Africa is another very positive indicator of the potential of the continent. The investment, which was announced in October 2021, will be used to enable affordable internet access and building helpful products, for investments in entrepreneurship and technology, as well as to empower businesses as they continue or embark on their digital transformation.

This positive sentiment about Africa’s potential is echoed by a number of businesses who have chosen to expand their operations on the continent.

Picking your next market is key

When SweepSouth decided to scale their business across the African continent in 2020, they chose Kenya as the first territory to launch their on-demand home services model outside of South Africa’s borders. Three months ago they started operations in Nigeria, and plans are now afoot to expand further into Africa.

“There are so many factors that go into choosing a new market, so we decided to look at countries where people experience the same sort of home-care needs South Africans required when SweepSouth was started,” says Aisha Pandor, SweepSouth chief executive.

Kenya and Nigeria were obvious choices, representing big-market regions with a high growth opportunity, ever-increasing internet penetration and digital literacy, and the potential for positive impact on employment, education and economic growth via smart, scalable technology solutions.

“Kenya appealed to us because it felt like an in-between in terms of culture, market segment and dynamics, and also smartphone and internet penetration when compared with West Africa. And Nigeria is a really exciting new venture that we hope will serve as a base for further expansion into the West African region,” says Pandor.

West Africa, too, is increasingly recognised as an area of economic and growth interest for businesses looking to get a foothold on the continent.

Integrated PR and marketing agency Irvine Partners recently opened an office in Ghana in response to an increasing number of their global clients needing support there. The agency already has wholly owned offices in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, and has realised the potential of this West African country.

“Most of our clients’ interest in the region stems from Ghana’s position as a tech hub within sub-Saharan Africa and its growing financial services industry, but we’re also seeing many other industries looking to invest in and expand into the country. Strategically, it makes a lot of sense for us to have a presence in the country and we’re optimistic about its potential,” says managing director Hayley van der Woude.

Beyond the obvious

Importantly, the interest in Africa extends beyond the traditionally popular economic areas such as Lagos, Nairobi and Accra, with Mauritius serving as a prime example of potential beyond the obvious. It is currently the top-ranked economy in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Index and is recognised for offering a sound political and economic environment that strongly encourages investment thanks to a sophisticated banking system, a favourable tax regime and low inflation.

These are among the main reasons.

The Business Exchange (TBE), a South African-launched serviced office offering, not only expanded operations to Mauritius but also designed an investment opportunity for others with their sectional title shared office investment that offers a safe and affordable way to get into this bustling market.

“Mauritius, in our view, is fast becoming one of the hottest investment hubs on the continent. Major international brands, including Samsung, Broll, Expedia and NBA (North America’s National Basketball Association), are based at our serviced office space there, which speaks to the interest in the location and offers an indication of its dynamism as a business destination,” says David Seinker, the founder and chief executive of TBE.

Embracing innovation

Lastly, but certainly very significantly, when it comes to businesses where customer-centricity is key, such as banking and telecoms, African players compete more effectively than their international counterparts, according to a finding in the Boston Consulting Group’s digital maturity index.

“It’s also hardly surprising that these are two sectors where Africa has led the world when it comes to technology-led innovation,” says Ngadi Job Goshi, the general manager at Liferay Africa. “Ultimately, while Africa may be less digitally mature than other markets, there can be no doubt that businesses on the continent are unafraid to embrace technology and innovation. And, in the customer-centric ways in which they’ve done so, despite facing adversity and strong headwinds, there are lessons for the rest of the world in the tenacity and ingenuity birthed and nurtured in the African soil.”

Delia de Villiers is the senior account manager, Irvine Partners.

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Content: Japan, Korea and India experience to expand Africa, Taiwan and Africa entrepreneurs association
The “Taiwan-Africa Entrepreneurs Association ”, commissioned by the International Trade Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, attracted more than 130 enterprises interested in exploring the African market. The exhibition and consultation desk at the representative office showed that our company's desire to expand the African market is very hot.
The theme of the event was “The Key to Success for Foreign Investors (Japan, Korea and India) in Expanding Africa ”. The event was addressed by Wang Ximeng, Secretary General of the Foreign Trade Association, Liu William, Deputy Director of the Bureau of International Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Msibi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Swaziland, and Chen Shu-fang, President of the Association of Taiwan Commerce. In addition, Hung Sheng Packaging General Manager Tang Jung-hung, Yi Ho Industrial General Manager Fu Yang-li, and Nam Wei Industrial Strategy Director Yang Wei-han analyze the development opportunities in Africa from their practical experience in the packaging, building materials, and textile industries.
Wang Ximeng, secretary general of the Foreign Trade Association, pointed out that in addition to the competition between Europe, America and China over the layout of the African continent, Japan, South Korea, India and other countries in Asia are committed to increasing investment and economic cooperation in Africa.
There are more than 1.3 million people of Indian descent in Africa, such as in East Africa, where more than 60% of the economic lifeline is controlled by Indians.
In addition, 18 of India's 25 newly established embassies and consulates are located in Africa, and India has become the fifth largest investor in Africa, while Japanese automobile manufacturers Toyota, Nissan, and electrical appliance giant Toshiba have already planted flags in Africa; South Korea's Hyundai, Samsung, LG and other large enterprises have also been stationed in Africa.
Through this event, we hope to help our business people to learn from foreign companies such as Japan, Korea and India, as well as African market leaders, and shorten the path to enter the African market.
Liu, deputy director of the International Trade Bureau, said that in recent years, the global economy has continued to be volatile due to changes in the international situation such as Sino-US trade frictions, global inflation, and the Russian-Ukrainian war, but Africa has shown great resilience during this period.
In addition, foreign direct investment in Africa reached US $45 billion in 2022, which has returned to the pre-epidemic level, indicating that confidence in investment in Africa has gradually recovered. In 2022, the total import and export value of Africa reached a new high in recent years, with imports reaching US $694.5 billion, up 14%, and exports reaching US $661.4 billion, up 19%. It is hoped that through the activities of the association, upstream and downstream companies in various industries can learn from each other and share their experiences, and work together to promote Taiwan-Africa economic and trade relations.
The event will be held in conjunction with AGOA, a major textile manufacturer in South China, and the representative offices of African embassies in Taiwan, Africa-related associations, and import and export banks providing trade and financial services. For more information, please visit africa.taiwantrade.com for more information.

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