Women’s Participation and Added Value in the Port Sector
Interview with Teófila MARTÍNEZ SAIZ, President of the Cadiz Bay Port Authority and President of RETE

10 Giugno, 2024

We would like to thank the President of RETE, Teófila Martínez, for granting us this interview for PORTUS magazine, on the occasion of REPORT no. 47, dedicated to the topic of women active in the port sector.

Current President of the Port Authority of Cádiz and former mayor of the city for twenty years, Teófila Martínez, in her professional experience has always captured and valued the relevance of the participation of representatives of port authorities, cities, universities and other institutions – as well as experts international, professional and academic teachers – to achieve the objective of a harmonious and constructive integration between ports and cities at all levels, urban, economic, environmental, social and cultural, and not just physical.

Based on the conviction that collaboration is essential to define strategies and actions that contribute to building the future of port cities, in this interview the President highlights the added value that women’s participation can bring to the sector at different levels. The experience acquired with the Equality Plan of the Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz undoubtedly represents the moment of great transformation that we are experiencing and which registers important advances in this direction, especially in recent years.


INTERVIEWER | Barbara BONCIANI, Adjunct Lecturer of Sociology of Development at the University of Pisa and Vice President of RETE Italia
INTERVIEWEE | Teófila MARTÍNEZ SAIZ, President of the Cadiz Bay Port Authority and President of RETE

After serving as the Mayor of the city of Cádiz from 1995 to 2015, you have become the President of the Port of the Bay of Cádiz. Could you briefly describe your professional career? What marked a turning point in achieving your current position?

My professional career has been a combination of dedication, effort, and commitment to society. I began my political career as a councillor for Urban Planning in El Puerto de Santa María and then as Mayor of Cádiz, where I emphasized urban transformation and social welfare, leading projects such as the underground railway and the recovery of iconic spaces for the city. These experiences provided me with a broad vision of the importance of public spaces and infrastructure in citizens’ quality of life.

During my time in the Congress and the Senate, I deepened my understanding of national politics, especially in areas related to public works, which enriched my understanding of critical infrastructures, including ports. This combination of local and national experience was fundamental for my transition to the role of president of the Port of the Bay of Cádiz.

My current position has allowed me to apply my experience in governance, infrastructure, and urban development to a broader and more strategic context, focusing on the critical importance of ports for trade, the economy, and society as a whole, something I can also develop through the experiences we share in RETE.

The docks in the Port of Cádiz and the city in the background. (Source: Cádiz Bay Port Authority).

In port authorities, women in executive or high-level positions are still few in the Euro-Mediterranean area. Based on your personal experience, could you describe the main daily challenges and expectations in this role? Is being a woman an advantage or a disadvantage? What do you value most about working in the port sector?
Historically, port work was predominantly male. The first port workers were physically robust men capable of handling very heavy goods moved piece by piece by hand. Over decades, technological innovations have changed port work, significantly reducing the demand for physical effort, which has been replaced by the necessary ability to operate vehicles and precision in operations. How do you view the participation of women in the port sector in general terms? And what added value do women bring – not only in high-level positions – in the port sector?

The presence of women in leadership positions in the port sector remains minimal, reflecting the need for evolution in our organizational structures. Throughout my career, as a woman, I have occasionally faced implicit biases until I demonstrated my competence in a male-dominated field. These difficulties, however, have provided me with a unique experience to promote change and inclusion.

Being a woman in this sector can be seen as a disadvantage due to these ingrained barriers, but I also consider it an advantage. We bring diverse perspectives, multitasking ability, and a sensitivity to inclusion, which can be extremely valuable for innovation and decision-making. Empathy, collaboration, and negotiation skills, where many women excel, are essential for success in this environment.

What I value most about working in the port sector is the opportunity to contribute to an essential part of our economy and society. Ports are critical nodes in the global supply chain, and being able to influence their efficiency and sustainability is enormously gratifying.

Regarding female participation in the port sector, we are in a moment of transformation. Technological evolution has shifted the paradigm from physical strength to technical and strategic competence, opening the door to greater inclusion of women. Women bring value not only in high-level positions; their influence extends across all layers of the organization, from operational to strategic, providing new ideas, teamwork approaches, and inclusive leadership. This added value is manifested in greater organizational resilience, better problem-solving, and a more inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Panoramic view of the Port of Cádiz. (Source: Cádiz Bay Port Authority).

While female participation in the maritime port sector has shown significant progress in recent years, ports still suffer from a low female presence. In your opinion, what are the causes that still limit women’s presence in ports today? And what should be done to improve women’s access to this sector?
In the implementation of a gender equality policy in ports, and to change current trends, it is necessary to move from a declaration of principles to the implementation of concrete and effective actions. How can professional development be promoted or encourage for a woman in an area such as the port? How can women more be inspired to consider careers in this field? How can we increase self-esteem and professional ambition towards female talent in this sector?

The causes that limit women’s presence in the port sector are multifaceted, ranging from ingrained gender stereotypes and lack of visibility of female role models to structural barriers such as the lack of family-work balance policies adapted to the realities of this sector. Additionally, there is a cultural perception that jobs in the maritime port sector are mainly physical and therefore more suitable for men, despite the growing automation and need for technical and management skills.

To improve women’s access to this sector, a multifaceted strategy is essential, including programs aimed at demystifying the port sector and presenting it as a viable and attractive option for women, highlighting the diversity of roles available beyond physical tasks.

Similarly, gender equality policies in port companies, including equal pay, promotion opportunities, and measures to combat sexual harassment and discrimination.

In parallel, creating more flexible work environments that allow women to balance their work and family responsibilities, such as flexible schedules, remote work, and equitable parental leave.

I advocate for mentorship programs that connect young women with female leaders in the sector and the promotion of professional networks for women in the port field.

Regarding women’s professional development in the port sector, it requires a proactive approach and organizational commitment to gender equality. This can be achieved through clear and accessible career paths for women in the sector, including training and promotion opportunities to ensure that career paths are not limited by gender.

Additionally, establishing specific leadership and skills development programs for women, encouraging their participation in high-level positions and decision-making.

It is crucial to foster a corporate culture that values diversity and inclusion, where gender equality is a central principle, and the value that women bring to the sector is recognized.

Increasing the visibility of women in the sector through awards, recognitions, and profiles in media and sector events to highlight their achievements and contributions.

Inspiring more women to consider careers in the port sector involves not only opening doors at the professional level but also changing cultural and social perceptions about gender and port work. Self-esteem and professional ambition are fostered by creating environments that recognize and celebrate women’s successes, where their talent and contributions are valued and respected.

The container terminal in the Port of Cádiz. (Source: Cádiz Bay Port Authority).

In particular, to address the challenges women face in the port sector, what specific projects and actions are being carried out at the Port of the Bay of Cádiz? What measures and strategies are being taken to promote gender equality and boost female participation?

At the Port of the Bay of Cádiz, we are fully aware of the specific challenges women face in the port sector, and we are committed to promoting gender equality and increasing female participation. To this end, we implement the Equality Plan that we approved last year.

The Equality Plan of the Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz aims to promote equal opportunities between women and men in the workplace. Its key strategies and activities are divided into several main areas:

  • Selection and Recruitment: Implementation of transparent and objective selection processes; promotion of equal participation of women and men in all phases of selection and recruitment.
  • Training and Professional Development: Training and capacity-building programs with a gender perspective. Promotion of balanced participation in courses and workshops for professional development.
  • Work-Life Balance: Measures to facilitate reconciliation, such as flexible hours and telecommuting. Promotion of equal parental and family leave for both sexes.
  • Prevention of Harassment and Gender Violence: Specific protocols for preventing and acting against cases of sexual harassment and gender-based harassment. Continuous training in prevention and awareness of gender violence.
  • Communication and Awareness: Internal and external communication campaigns to raise awareness about gender equality. Publication of reports and statistics on the evolution of equality within the entity.
  • Remuneration and Working Conditions: Periodic review of salary policies to ensure pay equity. Improvement of working conditions with a gender perspective.
  • Participation and Representation: Promotion of balanced representation of women and men at all levels and decision-making bodies. Creation of equality committees with representation from both sexes.
  • Evaluation and Monitoring: Establishment of indicators to measure the progress of the plan. Periodic evaluations and adjustments of the plan according to the results obtained.

These strategies and activities reflect the commitment of the Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz to gender equality, seeking to create an inclusive and equitable work environment for all its employees.

Ships docked in the Port of Cádiz during loading and unloading operations. (Source: Cádiz Bay Port Authority).

Without a doubt, the perception of the sector towards the female figure has changed in recent years. RETE is an international association that has recently addressed the issue of gender equity in the port sector. The international conference held in Livorno on May 18, 2023, on the integration of women in the sector and which you attended as President, opened an important reflection in Italy and Europe. What can the Association do to reinforce the female presence in the port sector and promote a change of mindset that favors greater openness to women?

The RETE conference in Livorno marked an important milestone on the path to greater inclusion and gender equity in the port sector internationally. As an association, RETE has a fundamental role in catalyzing this change, and there are several key strategies we can implement to reinforce the female presence in the sector.

We want to use RETE as a platform to foster collaboration among member ports, sharing best practices and learnings on gender equality. This includes everything from inclusive hiring policies to professional development programs specifically designed for women.

Likewise, conducting research on the current situation of women in the port sector and publishing case studies and recommendations that can serve as a guide for ports worldwide. These resources would help better understand the specific obstacles and effective strategies to overcome them.

We want to continue organizing and participating in international events and conferences that highlight the issue of gender equity in the port sector. These events are crucial for raising the profile of female leaders in the sector and promoting a constructive dialogue on how to improve inclusion.

Through these actions, RETE can play a decisive role in promoting a change of mindset in the port sector, not only by increasing the female presence but also by ensuring that women have the same opportunities to contribute and lead in this vital field.

What would you say to women working in the port sector today to help them achieve success in their areas of expertise? And what suggestions and guidelines do you propose for younger women who wish to enter the sector? What characteristics should they have to enrich or make the logistics and port sector more competitive?

To the women currently working in the port sector, I would say that their presence and contributions are fundamental to growth and innovation in this field. It is important to maintain confidence in their ability to overcome challenges and actively seek opportunities for professional and personal development. Perseverance, dedication, and adaptability are key to success in such a dynamic and often demanding environment as the port sector.

For young women aspiring to join the sector, my main advice would be to equip themselves with a solid foundation of technical knowledge and soft skills. Education in areas such as logistics management, maritime engineering, sustainability, and digital technology is key, but equally important is the development of leadership, negotiation, effective communication, and teamwork skills.

By cultivating these qualities and skills, women can achieve personal success and drive the advancement and competitiveness of the logistics and port sector. It is essential for women in this field to support each other, sharing knowledge and experiences, and building support networks that allow them to grow and thrive together.

Cádiz, june 2024


HEAD IMAGE | Operaciones marítimas en el Puerto de Cádiz. (Fuente: Autoridad Portuaria de la Bahía de Cádiz).



Article reference for citation:

BONCIANI, Barbara. “Women's Participation and Added Value in the Port Sector. Interview with Teófila MARTÍNEZ SAIZ, President of the Cadiz Bay Port Authority and President of RETE”. PORTUS | Port-City Relationship and Urban Waterfront Redevelopment, 47 (June 2024). RETE Publisher, Venice. ISSN 2282-5789.
URL: https://portusonline.org/womens-participation-and-added-value-in-the-port-sector/

BONCIANI, Barbara. “Participación de las mujeres y valor añadido al sector portuario. Entrevista con Teófila MARTÍNEZ SAIZ, Presidenta de la Autoridad Portuaria de la Bahía de Cádiz y Presidenta de RETE”. PORTUS | Port-City Relationship and Urban Waterfront Redevelopment, 47 (June 2024). RETE Publisher, Venice. ISSN 2282-5789.
URL: https://portusonline.org/womens-participation-and-added-value-in-the-port-sector/



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