Global logistics and supply chain manage-ment company Imperial Logistics has embarked on a new project to empower young black women.

The project was conceived in 2011 by Imperial Distribution and currently employs 80% black women. Imperial Logistics MD Heinrich Strauss says: “Historically, as a demographic, black women were not represented in the logistics industry. On inception of the transport management system project, Imperial Distribution recognised the opportunity to attract, employ and develop black economic-empowerment candidates.”

The logistics industry has not always been conducive to employing women, owing to the physical labour and the long hours. The control centre is an environment that is more suitable for women.

“We specifically opted for young women to facilitate a long-term career and employment relationship. Through this opportunity, we are able to train young black women in the specific systems and processes they use at the call centre.

“After this introduction to the industry, the women will have an opportunity to be transferred to other parts of the business, where they will also receive appropriate training. We will also place the women in self-leadership courses, which can result in further empower-ment,’” explains Strauss.

To date, 100 employees are operating the control centre, of which about 80% comprise black women. “We have taken a hands-on approach to training and developing all employees at the centre and the experience they are gaining is invaluable. Imperial Distri-bution is committed to aggressively pursuing a resourcing strategy, in line with the group’s BEE policy,” he adds.

For many of the young women working at the call centre, it has been a life-changing opportunity, as many of them had reached the proverbial ceiling, owing to their lack of experience, Strauss explains.

“It was difficult for them to move to the next level or enter the logistics industry, so this opportunity to gain experience is an ideal way to improve their skills and career prospects.”

Employees are exposed to all aspects of Imperial Distribution’s business, from vehicle monitoring to customer liaison, equipping them with new and diverse skills sets that could open doors in other areas of the operation.

Imperial is considering the expansion of this initiative to include disabled people, as the call centre is designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs, concludes Strauss.