ECG — 2025-03-07
News from ECG
ECG’s ‘Women in FVL’ networking meetings have been held three times so far, and they are becoming increasingly popular with women who are invited to network, discuss industry topics and enjoy the energy buzz from colleagues.
Andreea Maria Serbu, Senior Manager External Affairs at ECG, states that ‘Women in FVL’ started as a space for networking for women. “The ECG events hold significance, with most attendees being men. It can be challenging to stand out, especially if you’re not at the management level, and gathering with only women creates a unique, safe environment where you can connect with other women as a new opportunity. We are pleased to see that the number of women attending these events is rising”, Andreea Maria Serbu says.
Neringa Jasiulionienè, Director of FVL at Manvesta, agrees, adding that they encourage women to actively participate and share their opinions in industry-related discussions, which can feel somewhat more intimidating at general events.
“Usually, most communication at events happens among individuals and companies more closely related to our business. The women in our group come from various sectors of the industry. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with women of diverse backgrounds from ports, compounds, maritime, and solution providers. It’s like having a friendly expert in every industry area who can provide insights on trends and issues that make up the larger picture. Some of the best connections I have made within our group might never have occurred without our dedicated events”, she says.
Amanda Turner, Supply Chain Senior Manager Transportation at Ford Motor Company, is an essential part of the Women in FVL networking group. “For me, as well as celebrating the International Women’s Day within Ford, it is great to recognize the contribution of women in the wider automotive industry, particularly in Finished Vehicle Logistics. This is still a male-dominated part of the industry, but things are starting to change, and the ECG networking helps women feel more confident in the evolving environment. I am always inspired by meeting the powerful, trailblazing women who work in Finished Vehicle Logistics at these events. They bring unique perspectives and solutions and lots of energy to our lively discussions”, Amanda Turner says.
Neringa Jasiulionienè remembers the first meeting and the completely different appearance of the meeting room filled with women, realizing that we are not so few. “We have skills and talent and we easily secure speakers and panelists for our events. We also enjoy sharing our perspectives. So, it’s not just about making connections; it's also about celebrating each other’s successes and providing further insights on topics discussed during the general conference”, says Neringa Jasiulionienè.
Vanessa Vasileiadi , an alumnus of the ECG Academy, holds a master's degree in statistics and has combined her studies with the maritime industry. She works in the Cargo Quality department at Neptune. Her thesis was titled “Women in FVL: How Gender Equality Benefits Business.” In the thesis, she describes the role of women in the FVL sector both in the past and present. One finding revealed that approximately 77% of women in the FVL industry felt that women in leadership roles are underrepresented.
“The research shows that the reasons behind this are mainly ‘industry bias towards men for leadership positions’ and ‘organizational cultural norms’”, says Vanessa Vasileiadi. The most common reason for women joining the industry was the opportunity for challenging assignments and career opportunities, including the possibility of working internationally. “Reasons for women leaving the industry were the lack of promotion opportunities, poor work-life balance, and low income”, Vanessa Vasileiadi adds.
She is clear that integrating more women into the FVL business, especially in high-level positions, would have many benefits. “To address the workforce shortage and introduce new solutions, as women bring different perspectives, and to enhance mental health, since women feel more comfortable with female colleagues”, Vanessa Vasileiadi says. She also adds that women in senior positions create role models for female workers and that women are more careful and detail-oriented, as they often have to try harder than men. Additionally, significant characteristics for women which benefit the business include empathy and avoiding negotiation tensions.
Vanessa Vasileiadi summarizes ways in how the industry can attract more women:
Would you recommend women to work in the FVL industry, Vanessa Vasileiadi?
“Yes, there are many advantages. The industry offers various career choices, from management to operational positions. The industry also provides many opportunities for women interested in technology, roles that traditionally were reserved for men. It’s also a feeling of being part of something much bigger, and your efforts will be clearly visible. Also, the FVL sector is a fundamental part of global trade and manufacturing. As long as the demand for vehicles exists, logistics professionals will be needed consistently”, says Vanessa Vasileiadi.