DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, launched in Dhaka today its DHL Women`s Network initiative, a communications platform to inform, inspire and engage employees, men and women alike, to enhance their leadership skills and positively impact the success of DHL in Bangladesh.
To launch the DHL Women’s Network in Bangladesh, a special ceremony was organized for over 60 DHL employees, who were inspired by speeches by prominent women leaders and a robust and lively panel discussion. The theme of the event was “Winning Diversity Together”, where Dr Fahima Aziz, Honorable Vice Chancellor of Asian University of Women in Chittagong, and Geeteara Safiya Choudhury, Chairperson of ADCOMM Limited shared their personal insights.
The panel discussion was moderated by Amy Yee, independent journalist and contributor to The New York Times, with Dr Fahima Aziz, Geeteara Safiya Choudhury and the Country Heads for both DHL Express Bangladesh and DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh as participants. Questions ranged from overcoming challenges in a male-oriented environment, maintaining work-life balance and how to encourage and provide better support to each other.
Nooruddin Chowdhury, Country Manager of DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh, acknowledged the importance of organizing this inaugural event to recognize the contributions of female colleagues’ to the industry. He commented: “DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh had set a goal to fill more upper and middle-management vacancies with capable women, and has implemented various programs to enable women to be ready for these positions, through mentoring programs, adoption of a flexible work system to help maintain work-life balance and expanding childcare services. Through these efforts, we have seen an increasing number of female employees — 15 per cent of the entire employee base and the number is continually growing. The DHL Women`s Network is an excellent platform to support our employees, male and female alike, to unlock their full potential.”
“Promoting diversity is in our core strategic interest as it contributes to creating a more connected, engaged workforce. An inclusive workplace helps tap on employees’ strengths and enhance leadership potentials. This focus underpins our commitment to becoming an Employer of Choice to our employees,” said Mr. Desmond Quiah, Country Manager, DHL Express Bangladesh.
Moving forward, the DHL Women’s Network committee in Bangladesh will continue to explore and implement programs for female employees and create a support network within the organization.