The future of Brazilian logistics and the role of women in leadership positions were discussed this Thursday (15), during the 2nd Women on Board Meeting, in Brasília (DF). Promoted by Grupo Tribuna, the event brought together female leaders, specialists, and representatives from the public and private sectors to debate the challenges and opportunities of national infrastructure, as well as to share experiences and ideas for the sector's development.
With a program focused on innovation, sustainability, competitiveness, and foreign trade, the meeting sought to connect professionals working in different areas of logistics and encourage the exchange of experiences. The proposal is to discuss ways for a more integrated, efficient logistics chain prepared to keep pace with the country's growth.
The discussion gains importance in a sector where the female presence is still smaller. According to the 2nd Survey on Gender Equity in the Waterway Sector, by the Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários (Antaq), women represented 17.8% of the Brazilian port workforce in 2024.
In addition to discussing the presence of women in the sector, the Women on Board meeting addressed fundamental issues for the development of Brazilian infrastructure. The panels covered the integration of different transport modes, the challenges to increase logistical efficiency, and the relationship between investments, sustainability, and competitiveness.
More opportunities in the port sector
This initiative is aligned with actions by the Ministério de Portos e Aeroportos (MPor) to promote gender equity in the port sector.
In December 2025, the Fórum dos Trabalhadores Portuários, coordinated by the Secretaria Nacional de Portos (SNP), approved the creation of a Working Group dedicated to the topic. Established in March 2026, the group aims to identify barriers to equality, monitor indicators, and disseminate good practices that contribute to increasing opportunities for women in Brazilian ports.
In 2024, the MPor and Antaq, in partnership with Wista Brazil and the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB), launched the Guide to Combat Harassment in the Waterway Sector. The material provides guidelines to combat harassment and contribute to safer and more respectful work environments in Brazilian ports and navigation.
Tribute to the secretary
During the meeting, the National Secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, was honored by Grupo Tribuna, with an exclusive cover of the newspaper A Tribuna. In thanking the recognition, Ávila emphasized that the choice of professionals for the positions is due to the competence of each one and highlighted their contribution to the work developed by the SNP, where they occupy three of the five high-management positions.
"I am absolutely sure that all the success of our management is largely due to the leadership of the women in charge of our various matters in the secretariat. It is an honor to receive this tribute from Tribuna, especially here, from the hands of people so special to me, from our sector," he declared.
The event also promoted dialogue among public authorities, companies, and sector entities on the challenges and opportunities of Brazilian infrastructure and foreign trade.
