Across our global teams, Nectar Group is stepping forward to show our commitment to Inspire Inclusion for #IWD2024. Celebrating our female colleagues and sharing their journeys.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
The #InspireInclusion campaign aims to forge a more inclusive world for women.
Nectar Group is proud to support, share and cultivate meaningful connections across our global teams. For this IWD2024 we proudly share the passion, achievements, and industry insight of a fantastic leader within our organisation – Siamba Kamara, GM at NSBT.
This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
Q: In celebration of International Women’s Day, we host a Q&A with Siamba Kamara to talk about women in the industry, challenges and opportunities. To start off this Q&A Siamba, how would you finish this sentence ‘I feel included when’ and what comes to mind when we talk about Inspired Inclusion?
A: I feel included when… I am valued as an individual, respected for my skill set and contributions, trusted to make decisions, able to contribute towards shared business goals, and given transparent information and communicated openly.
I feel included when… I am part of a global team that shares the same business vision.
I feel included when…my opinion is listened to and taken into consideration and when there are clear lines of communication and accountability.
I feel included when… am involved in important decisions that affect my team
Q: From your own experience, when you think of your role models, what traits are important?
A: I would say the following traits are most important in female role models, for example: showing assertive compassion, strength, and confidence to deal with every obstacle or setback. To achieve long-term goals, perseverance and passion are critical. Female mentors tend to show adaptability and tenacity with the ability to ignore bad advice. They take the time to foster a workplace that is women-empowered.
Q: What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work?
A: The number of women leaders in the port operations sector has significantly increased since 2015. Women are respected more in the workplace and their competence is acknowledged. Within Sierra Leone, in particular, there has been a
significant decline in the prevalence of FGM and early marriages, although a lot more work still needs to be done in this area. There have been minor improvements in literacy and poverty levels among women and girls in my country. Work still needs to be done to make significant improvements overall.
Q: What would you say have been some of your biggest challenges as a woman in the industry?
A: Making an impact in a patriarchal society where women’s views are validated by male opinion as well as having to prove myself a bit more than my male counterparts and work harder to gain the respect of their peers.
Q: What message do you think is the most important for young women thinking about a career in our industry?
A: As women, we will continue to forge our place within a male-dominated sector – this is a sector that demands ‘Grit’. Commitment and dedication are definitely what it takes to work in this industry. Keep it up!
We thank Siamba for her time and assistance in creating this important post.
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Nectar Group and NSBT are proud to be supporting the future of the industry by encouraging more women into what has historically been a male-dominated sector. We recognise the valuable contribution all our team members make and encourage more women to join this ever growing and changing industry.
We will continue our commitment to doing all we can to champion this positive step forward. Whether working at our head office or across our global locations; each and every woman who contributes to our organisation is outstanding.
We thank all our participants for their valuable contributions and for sharing their insights. Big thank you to our new General Manager at NSBT, Siamba Kamara and her team in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
