On 26 August, Bertling Logistics joined people worldwide in marking Women’s Equality Day 2025. To honor the occasion, we asked our colleagues across the globe what women’s equality means to them.
The thoughtful responses we received reflect a shared understanding: gender equality is not just about celebrating past achievements, but about recognizing our responsibility to continue driving progress every day.
At Bertling Logistics, we are committed to creating a workplace that embraces equality, respects diversity, and provides equal opportunities for everyone. Women’s Equality Day serves as both a celebration of the progress made and a reminder of the challenges that remain. Gender equality is not only a women’s issue, but a societal necessity that calls for collective action from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.
We invite you to read some of the reflections from our colleagues. Their words highlight the importance of equality and the role we can all play in fostering empowerment and opportunity.
At Bertling Logistics, we are proud to be part of this journey – today and every day.
For me, gender equality means that every person, has the same opportunities and is valued equally. When everyone, not only especially women, can contribute their ideas and strengths equally, it creates an environment that promotes diversity and collaboration. I am convinced that this not only supports innovation and creativity, but also a culture in which everyone feels respected and supported. I am happy to work for a company that supports these.
Therese Strootmann
Head of Digitalization & TMS
Women’s Equality for me - a mum of two girls - means that every woman and every girl in the world must have equal opportunities, regardless of their background, beliefs or place of residence. Access to education, employment, and social participation must be open and available to everyone. Performance should be evaluated based on skills, output, and results – and a good education is the basis for this – but by no means on gender.
Stephanie Luening
Director of Tendering & Marketing
On Women’s Equality Day, I am reminded how often discussions at home with my three children – especially my two daughters – quickly turn into reflections on inequality. Whether it’s pay, sports, or many other aspects of life, they recognize faster than most adults that equality is still far from reality.
Some of it comes from women consciously stepping back, but much of it comes from structures that hold them back. In logistics, this becomes particularly visible, leadership positions are still dominated by men, not everywhere but in many cases.
That also means there is a huge opportunity: to change this reality, to create more diverse leadership, and to build organizations where equality is more than a statement.
It is a long road, but the responsibility sits with all of us, leaders, colleagues, and parents, to move things forward. My daughters expect it, and I believe our industry can deliver it.
Thorsten Diephaus
Gloabl Head Container
We all come from families where women have played a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. I firmly believe that women possess qualities that, in many cases, go unrecognised simply because of their gender. To me, women's equality means seeing women for who they are, regardless of their age, looks or marital status. Women all over the world deserve the same opportunities, respect and monetary benefits as everyone else, as well as the same rights. It's sad that we still have to emphasise and talk about this topic and show the world why it's important.
Maria Robayo
Commercial Analyst
To me, Women’s Equality is about opening doors and walking through them together. It’s about creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead with authenticity. This year, I had the privilege of mentoring a young woman through WISTA Perú — a journey filled with trust, growth, and mutual learning. I also joined a panel with inspiring women in foreign trade, and it reminded me how powerful it is when we share our stories and lift each other up. Equality is not just a goal — it’s a daily commitment to inclusion, empathy, and purpose.
Gabriela Klauer
Head of Projects, Procurement & Sales
For me, as a working and studying woman, women’s equality means not having to choose between a career or an education, or between a voice or confidence. It means that women, regardless of their background or life situation, should have equal access to educational, developmental, and leadership opportunities. Balancing work, study, and life is difficult but possible in a culture that values fairness and growth. Performance should be recognized based on effort and results, not assumptions tied to gender. When women can thrive without compromise, everyone benefits because equality is a collective responsibility.
Nicole Bedürftig
Assistant for Staff & Corporate Culture Management
To me, equality means respecting and valuing everyone’s skills, ideas, and contributions—regardless of gender, background, nationality, or any other difference. When opportunities and recognition are fair for all, we create a workplace where collaboration, innovation, and every voice can truly shine. I am grateful to work in a company where these values are recognized and genuinely embraced.
Linh Dinh
Marketing & Tender Coordinator
Equality lifts us all - it brings more perspectives, more creativity, and more fairness. And that makes our workplace not just better, but stronger and more inspiring for everyone. For me, women’s equality also means standing up for each other and passing those values on to the next generation - teaching our daughters and our sons what respect and equal opportunity truly mean.
Julia Andreássen
Marketing Manager
Equality is essential for many reasons. It encompasses rights, opportunities, wages, safety, and voice. In business, equality is fundamental to strong performance, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Matilda Gustafsson
Change Manager & Corporate Sustainability Member
To me, women’s equality means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background or identity. Since joining Bertling in 2010, I have always felt welcomed and supported by my colleagues, as both a woman and a member of the Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities. This kind of inclusivity strengthens our workplace culture, encourages collaboration, and drives better results for everyone. Embracing equality opens the door for diverse perspectives and experiences, ultimately making our teams and company stronger.
Ashley Pumarada-Rosario
Project Manager