Celebrating diversity: the importance of Pride Month at Wallenius Wilhelmsen

As we sail through the vibrant and vivid month of June, we proudly stand with the global community to acknowledge and celebrate Pride Month.

We believe in nurturing a workspace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, and Pride month symbolizes this important commitment.

"Our support for Pride Month symbolizes the constant recognition we have for LGBTQ+ communities who are represented by some of the most inspirational and most potent leaders in the world," says Mike Hynekamp, Chief Operating Officer.

Diversity and inclusion aren't just buzzwords for us, they are crucial parts of our corporate culture that fuel creativity, innovation, and mutual respect. The brilliance of our teams lies in their rich experiences, perspectives, and identities.

When we celebrate Pride, we are not only celebrating the LGBTQ+ community; we are celebrating the strength in our unity, by bringing together our differences and our shared commitment to equality.

Openness is another fundamental value at the heart of our organization. Pride Month reminds us of the importance of creating an environment where each and every member of our family can express themselves freely and authentically, to be the rockstars they are meant to be.

We understand that when you feel comfortable in your own skin, you are more likely to be productive, motivated, and engaged.

It is in this spirit that we encourage everyone to share their stories, experiences, and insights, enriching our collective narrative and promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance.

Family is more than just a word at Wallenius Wilhelmsen; it's the fabric of our company culture. Each employee is a valued member of our family, and just like any family, we celebrate each other's individuality and uniqueness.

Pride Month brings this sense of family to the forefront, reminding us that the ties that bind us transcend labels, cultures, and identities. It underscores our shared journey towards creating a workspace that feels like home for everyone.

"We are a better, stronger company when we ensure all voices and choices are valued, and when we elevate equality and inclusion for all. Tennessee Williams wrote, “What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it’s curved like a road through mountains,” says Hynekamp.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Pride Month underscores the universal human rights principle that we hold so close to our hearts. Every person deserves equal opportunities and the same rights, regardless of who they are, whom they love, or how they identify.

The spirit of Pride is the spirit of equality, justice, and respect for all, all crucial subjects to us.

"Our company's strength lies in our differences, and this Pride Month, we encourage everyone to celebrate those differences. We believe that by understanding and respecting our individual identities, we can nurture a company culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated," says Anette Koefoed, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer.

Let's use this Pride Month as an opportunity to acknowledge our progress, address our challenges, and reinforce our commitment to diversity, openness, inclusivity, family, and equal rights.

Together, let's celebrate Pride Month and the beautiful diversity of our Wallenius Wilhelmsen family.

Because at the end of the day, it's our unique voices that make us stronger, and it's our shared values that bring us together.