A company that embraces gender diversity

At SACO Shipping, gender diversity isn’t just a goal – it’s a reality the company is proud of. Across the business, women hold key leadership roles, reflecting CEO Dave Graham’s clear commitment to empowering women both within the organisation and throughout the broader freight industry. “It’s inspiring to be part of a company that actively promotes and supports female leadership in such a meaningful way,” says Natasha Lawrence–Ramiah, SACO Shipping Johannesburg ocean and road branch freight manager. “As women, we bring a unique blend of resilience, empathy and attention to detail to the freight industry. Our collaborative approach to leadership, strong communication skills and ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments all contribute to building more inclusive, agile and customer- focused operations. By embracing diverse perspectives, women are not only transforming workplace culture but also driving innovation and long-term sustainability across the industry.” According to Lawrence- Ramiah, one of the main barriers women face in the freight industry is the limited representation in leadership and operational roles, which often limits visibility and growth opportunities. “The industry also continues to grapple with outdated perceptions about women’s capabilities, particularly in traditionally male-dominated spaces like warehousing, trucking and port operations,” she explains. “Workplace culture, limited access to mentorship and the challenge of balancing demanding schedules with family responsibilities add to the pressure. Addressing these barriers requires a concerted effort to implement inclusive policies, promote mentorship, and actively support women’s advancement at all levels of the freight and logistics sector.” Working in a company that embraces gender diversity goes a long way toward creating a supportive environment where women feel seen, valued and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. “I am extremely passionate about seeing women grow and thrive within our industry,” says Lawrence-Ramiah. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring several talented women who are now in leadership roles, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Watching their growth and success has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. “We are on the cusp of a meaningful shift in our industry, where more women are stepping confidently into positions of influence and decision-making. I look forward to being part of this transformation, and to seeing a future where women are equally represented, respected, and empowered across every level of our sector.” She says the growing momentum is reflected in the trailblazing women who have made significant impact in the freight and logistics sector such as SACO's managing director Lee Viljoen and its chief human resource officer Beverly Kirstein. LV