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Recruitment and training of local MSC’s involvement and investments contributed to
women at King Abdullah Port address the major reasons for girls dropping out of schools,
In King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia, MSC’s terminal op- namely the lack of proper hygienic, separated sanitation
erating arm partners with National Ports Services, which facilities and poor access to safe drinking water. MSC sup-
has become in recent years, one of the main employers plied electric generators, strengthening the existing power
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND of women in the country. The company has hired and and electricity system in the school. MSC also created
GENDER EQUALITY trained over 200 women coming from neighbouring playgrounds, constructed boundary walls for the school
communities to work in the control centre and the op- and built secure and safe pathways enhancing children’ s
As the traditional shipping sector has mainly promoted erations departments. In line with the strategic national overall well-being while attending school. MSC contrib-
seafarer as a male career option, it is not a surprise plan Saudi Vision 2030 as well as national laws, a specific uted and started a programme of skills development and
that the number of women employed within the mari- strategy has been put in place to offer facilities to women training with the NGO ETASHA to provide education to
time industry is still very low and that women are not to facilitate their work. This included dedicated transpor- more than 300 local women and men to develop their
equally represented as men in leadership positions. tation facilities from and to their home to enable them English language skills, their computer abilities and to
In recent years, MSC has further incorporated gender to work on different shifts. MSC is proud to report that provide career orientation and counselling. Some of the
considerations in its business plans and strategy. In the project had a successful outcome and it allowed our trainees managed to get fully employed in the logistics
this respect, MSC proactively supports the recruitment female staff to focus on their performance, showing high parks nearby, with consequent improvement of their
of women on board and ashore, offering equal career level of professionalism and motivation. living standards.
paths for both women and men. For us, the promotion of Other projects undertaken included the upgrade of the
gender equality through the empowerment of women Managers within various departments. Encouraging Supporting women’s rights in India infrastructure of the railway crossing, construction of
is a critical prerequisite for a sustainable social and the participation of the female workforce in the decision- MSC is a a key player in India’s export and import trade irrigation channels and the upgrade of facilities at
economic development as well as a fundamental goal making process is a daily practice at MSC, as the com- with a strong position in in North India. Government Boys School, which has benefited the entire
to be achieved in inclusive poverty reduction strategies. pany noticed it supports the development of their MSC’s activities in the Palwal District, near New Delhi, village and 30 rural farm holders in that area.
In this respect, MSC invests extensively in awareness self-confidence and facilitates their career growth. India, started in 2016. Local management was first MSC was very proud to receive the formal appreciation
campaigns at country level, providing career advice to According to 2016 data, MSC employs in its offices involved in a Community Policing Initiative, implemented from the local government administration for its CSR
the young generation of women, while offering them in Saudi Arabia 28% of women, which is a high rate in cooperation with the local police and a local NGO, activities as well as for its contribution to the inclusive
a wide range of work opportunities in its offices world- comparing to the 7-8% average reached by other DVinity Serves, “APKI SANGINI” (“Your Friend”). This growth of the region.
wide and on board MSC’s vessels. shipping lines in the region. campaign focused on building trust between the police
and citizens, especially women and girls. The aim was
MSC Saudi Arabia promoting MSC’s female workforce in Saudi Arabia is employed to spread awareness within various schools, educational
recruitment of local women in the following departments: institutions and villages about the rights of women, the
In 2006, MSC decided to innovate its employment • Exports: one of the first departments employing legal provisions made in the Indian Penal Code to protect
methods in Saudi Arabia by promoting the recruitment women; women in case of crime, sexual harassment as well as
of local women, who at that time represented 44% of • Customer service and dedicated customer desks for to impart techniques of self-defence to girls and women.
the total population. each of our major customers are managed by women. This initiative was applauded by the local administration
In June 2006, MSC Saudi Arabia hired the first four These desks are responsible for any customer and the Inspector General of Police of the State.
female workers, who were in charge of logistics. This enquiries until their containers are delivered to their Through another project, focused on empowerment
move from MSC encouraged other shipping lines in final destination. MSC prides itself being the only and safety of women, MSC has contributed to develop
Saudi Arabia to promote the recruitment of women shipping line in Saudi Arabia offering this service. and improve the infrastructure at the Government Girls
within the country, which has become today a • Collection for both freight and demurrage; School by providing clean drinking water, toilets, sanitation
common practice. • Documentation; and healthcare facilities for girls. It also helped increase
Over the past 10 years in Saudi Arabia, MSC has • TMS and other related tasks; access to education as well as generate local employ-
established and developed a full career path for its • General market knowledge and strategic planning. ment opportunities for both women and men. This
female employees, offering specific training to promote project was implemented in the Janauli village, located
their career advancement. Today, the company counts In 2017, MSC plans to recruit additional female staff in the Palwal district, Haryana, in conformity with the
several female Managers and a few female Senior in the Human Resources and Accounting Departments. Indian government’s laws and CSR guidelines.

82 BUSINESS ETHICS AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS MSC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 83