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On 4 November, CLECAT Director General Nicolette van der Jagt joined a panel discussion of the Leadership Pillar of Women in Logistics (WIL) in collaboration with Bertschi, hosted by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The event brought together chemical producers, logistics service providers and industry associations to share practical ways of improving gender balance.

The discussion focused on how WIL can turn awareness into practical support by giving companies tools to improve recruitment, working conditions and career progression. Ms van der Jagt pointed to mentoring across companies, clearer promotion criteria and opportunities to lead operational and digital projects as ways to help more women progress into senior roles. She also raised the issues related to AI in logistics: as routine tasks change in logistics in customs, how will new colleagues gain the experience they need to progress?

CLECAT sees a more gender-balanced workforce as a business opportunity. It can help ease labour shortages, broaden the pool of future leaders and make logistics companies more adaptable and resilient. Truck driving is one profession where recruitment remains a challenge across Europe. Safer parking, adequate rest and sanitary facilities, and respectful treatment at loading and unloading sites can help attract more women to the profession and retain experienced drivers.

CLECAT is a member of the European Commission’s Women in Transport Platform for Change and has recently joined a study led by the Women Wellbeing Working Group of the European Wellbeing Initiative, powered by ESPORG. The first findings are due to be presented at the ESPORG Annual Conference in Brussels on 3 March 2027.