If you are a woman in the field of logistics, take a look around your office space and try to count the number of men and women around you. Is the number equal? If it is, then consider yourself lucky to be in that space of equality. Though such cases may be many, the general trend of the unbalanced workforce remains rooted in the field of logistics.

A simple google search will show you numerous articles that speak about the need for women in the field of logistics, usually titled ‘Logistics: A Man’s World’, or ‘ Why do we need more women in logistics’ and so on. The discussion has no novelty, yet the problem persists.

Traditionally, logistics was a male-dominated field as workers and porters at docks and ports required physical strength to manually load vessels before cranes and lifts became central to the area. But the case was not just in ports and warehouses but also in offices. Considering the operational aspects were largely male-dominated, the sales and planning sectors' perception also became such. A significant problem of the issue was perceptional, due to which women were unable to harness interest in this field.

Various research surveys conducted in the UK, the US and Germany indicate a large gap between the genders in the workforce. Specifically, in Europe, there are only 22% of women involved in the field, as recently as 2018. Unfortunately, in Asia, the statistics are not too far off. In China, 29% of the workforce in transport and logistics are women. Developed nations and the Global South reflect similar trends in the involvement of women in this field.

The motivation is not to simply highlight the problems but to see the various ways in which organisations are working towards creating a more balanced workplace.

1. Unbalanced workforce

Many larger organisations are aware that the industry is accustomed to having an unbalanced workforce. To tackle the situation, they are conditioned to take the top-down approach due to the inability to create space for women in smaller executive roles. This has allowed for a significant presence of women on the managerial board. However, as more and more technology is entering ports, terminals and warehouses, it has opened opportunities for women to perform the same tasks as done by men. Therefore, a more substantial commitment towards digitalisation offers the chance of a more balanced workforce.

2. Lack of role models

On the top of your head, how many women can you name from the field of logistics in positions of power? There is no denying that there are none, but the issue is that there is no awareness about them. More women in top posts need to be given platforms to speak, showcase their expertise and become significant voices from the industry. The more role model an industry offers, the more attractive it becomes to female talent. In our NSRN member community we are proud to see many successful women leaders, who have shared their journeys with us in our Silk Road Stories Interviews. For Februaary, stay tuned for two exclusive interviews with successful women in logistics.