The Women's International Shipping &Trading Association (Wista) continues to expand in South America, with a new location in Venezuela.
Wista Venezuela joins the international NGO's other locations in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay in representing female executives in shipping based in South America.
National Wista associations were established in Peru and Uruguay in 2018, and one more is expected to form in the South America later this year.
"Wista International is proud to add Wista Venezuela to our global network," Wista International president Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou said.“Wista International is proud to add Venezuela to our global network,” president Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou said.
“Wista International offers Wista Venezuela members a wide network of global contacts to generate new business opportunities, participate in initiatives with organisations such as the IMO, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Baltic and International Maritime Council, and the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Committee on Ports, and increase recognition of our capabilities, which strengthens the maritime industry in Venezuela.”
Wista Venezuela is led by Debora Valera, president of VSV Marine & Port Group and president of the Venezuelan Maritime Cluster.
The Wista vice president post is held by Maria Grazia Blanco, vice president of the Venezuelan Branch of the Ibero-American Institute of Maritime Law.
“We must assume the responsibility of ensuring programmes and activities planned by maritime organisations include not only representatives of the maritime authorities, but also women from the private sector in the maritime industry, with the goal of eliminating all forms of discrimination against women,” Valera said.
“We believe that IMO is setting the example with the approval of Wista International as a consultative member.”
