CILT Ireland Relaunch WiLAT Chapter
We are pleased to announce the relaunch of our Women in Logistics and Transport Forum (WiLAT) in Ireland. Originally formed in 2013, the Chapter was relaunched officially in July 2024 following a successful introductory meeting via Zoom. Hosted by CILT Ireland, the event welcomed all members of the Institute and was attended by WiLAT Global Chairperson, Vicky Koo, President of CILT Turkey, Berna Akyildiz, and WiLAT Global Advisor, Dr. Dorothy Chan.
Rabia Mirza was formally announced as the Chairperson of WiLAT Ireland with Mary Cadogan, Southern Chair of CILT and Fiona Doody also involved in progressing WiLAT’s relaunch.
CILT International caught up with Rabia to discuss the relaunch of the Chapter and the opportunities it will provide for progressing the advancement of women in logistics, transport and supply chain in Ireland.
It is an exceptional honour to step into the role as Chair for WiLAT Ireland. I am thrilled to contribute to the outstanding work of the forum. Having worked in senior roles across male-dominated industries for 20 years in Ireland, Canada and the USA, I have often faced the challenges of being the only woman, and often the only person of colour, in leadership positions. I believe that as women, it is our responsibility and privilege to demonstrate our capabilities. WiLAT is the perfect avenue to advocate and empower women in the logistics, transport and supply chain sectors. I am an empowered woman and I empower women.
– Rabia Mirza
WiLAT Ireland Chairperson
Supporting Rabia’s comments was Vicky Koo, Global WiLAT Chairperson, who amplified her support for the reformation of the Chapter offering the support of the wider WiLAT community in helping the Chapter succeed in its mission to champion women in the industry.
“CILT Ireland is a great supporter to WiLAT, and we gladly welcome the re-launch with Rabia Mirza being the Chairperson and taking the lead to structure the forum for supporting women in our industry to excel. Our appreciation to Patrick Casey, IVP of EU & CA, Finbarr Cleary, former IVP of EU&CA, and Joe Kenny, CILT Ireland President for brining back WiLAT to the branch. We are standing by to support Rabia and her team to deliver the “Values in Action” to women and enterprises as part of their business success. Let’s FLY UP HIGH together!”
Vicky Koo
Global WiLAT Chairperson
WiLAT is the international women’s forum within the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Since its formation in 2013 WiLAT has gone from strength to strength, and now supports over 3,200 members in 40 countries.
WiLAT’s mission is to promote the status of women in the supply chain, logistics and transport industry, to bring together those who aid the career development of women, and to provide a support network for women in the sector.
If you are a female member of CILT, you automatically qualify for membership of WiLAT. Male members of the Institute or anyone else interested in the forum, but not a current CILT member, can become a Friend of WiLAT. For more information, visit WiLAT’s dedicated website.
