Celebrating Women in Commodities: International Women’s Day 2023

Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women across the globe and honour their unwavering strength, resilience, and determination. In particular, we want to take a moment to celebrate the women who are breaking barriers and making their mark in the commodity trading industry.

Commodity trading has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but women are making significant strides and pushing for progress. From analysts to executives and entrepreneurs, women are bringing unique perspectives and approaches to the industry.

As we celebrate this year's International Women’s Day, we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done in achieving gender equality in the commodity trading industry. Women still face obstacles and biases, and their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. However, it's essential to recognise the impact that women are making in the industry and support their continued success.

We want to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in commodity trading and recognise the vital role they play in shaping the industry's future. Let's continue to choose to challenge and break down barriers, so that women can achieve their full potential in this dynamic and exciting field. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive industry for all.

Meet the amazing team of women at Commodities People!

Marketing: Rena Kyriacou – Marketing Director, Soultana Papadopoulou – Senior Marketing & Design Executive, Emily Stephens – Content Marketing Manager, Tiffany Maybe – Campaign Marketing Manager, Jessica Jonah – Client Success & Community Manager

Production & Operations: Gina Dale – Operations Director, Samanta Fawcett – Senior Producer Commodities, Marie Pégoud-Féjoz – Head of Production

Sales: Paola Galanti – Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager, Agnes Luczak – Sponsorship Manager, Catherine Lemin – Sponsorship Manager

The commodities sector isn’t known to be a female heavy industry, with the majority of key decision makers in a room being made up of a male audience. How can this be challenged? Enter, WISTA, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association, a global organisation that connects female executives and decision makers around the world. 

Featuring a network of more than 3,800 female professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry, WISTA is an international networking organisation, with a mission to attract and support women at management level in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors. 

In a male dominated sector, gender diversity is crucial to providing a sustainable future for the commodities industry, so it’s important to have bodies like WISTA who work to empower women to lead through their unique perspective and competencies. 

Following the success that WISTA has had, we introduced our own initiative in 2022 to help improve gender diversity within the sector; Women In Commodities Breakfast Briefing. An event where women within the Commodities industry came together to network, discuss key issues and view insights into the industry. This event was a huge success, and we can say we were very proud to host such an important networking opportunity.

Moving, But Not Fast Enough: Gender Diversity and Equality in the Swiss Commodity and Trading Industry: A CASE STUDY BY PwC & WISTA

Where does the commodity and trading industry stand on gender equality?

Gender diversity and equality is a key priority for many companies across industries, yet progress remains slow. Women remain underrepresented in many sectors, particularly in management and leadership positions.

To examine the state of gender equality in the commodity and trading industry, PwC partnered with Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Switzerland to conduct a survey with a Swiss-specific focus. The survey sought to gain insights into gender representation in the industry as well as employee perceptions and lived experiences of gender equality.

This report also includes an exclusive interview with Maryana Stober, President of WISTA Switzerland, with her insights on these findings and an industry perspective on what needs to be done.

Women in Commodities will be a part of Commodity Trading Week in London on the 25th – 26th April 2023, focusing on gender balance as a global priority especially in traditionally male dominated industries like commodity trading.

We will be hosting sessions as part of the main conference agenda focused on Women in Commodities – including a carefully crafted workshop led by trailblazers in diversity and female leaders in commodities network, where discussions will range from gender balance and equality in the workplace to practical DE&I strategies, programmes and initiatives to promote women’s career progression in the sector and in the boardroom.

Join us for an unparalleled networking and learning opportunity. Find out more here.

Women in Commodities Award; in partnership with International Women in Mining (IWiM)

For the first time in Commodities Trading Week history, we will be hosting our first awards ceremony at this year’s London event. The Commodity Trading Awards 2023 will award the most outstanding contributions to the industry

We have an outstanding panel of judges lined up already, including some incredible women; Barbara Dischinger, Founder and Director at International Women in Mining, Neeta Mundra, Head of Senior Business Leader’s Community at Women in Banking & Finance, Kona Haque, Head of Research at ED&F Man, Kelly Vaughan, Director of Digital Strategy at Mercuria, and Sue Terpilowski, Immediate Past President at Women's International Shipping & Trading Association, UK (WISTA UK).

We are also pleased to announce the Women in Commodities Award in Partnership with IWiM. This award recognises and celebrates the most talented and accomplished women in leadership positions who benefit the commodities sector and the wider economy.

Nominations are now closed. If you submitted your nominations, thank you for your participation. We greatly appreciate your efforts in recognising and promoting excellence. If you haven't already, make sure you register and upgrade your ticket to attend the awards ceremony.