CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 24
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
From building strong supplier- customer
relationships to championing ethical and
sustainable practices, women in the supply
chain and logistics domains are breaking down
barriers, challenging assumptions, and creating
fresh solutions. Across the industry, traditionally
dominated by men, women are bringing with
them a unique set of skills and perspectives
that contribute massively to the success of any
organisation. They are embedding a leadership
style that emphasises empathy, emotional
intelligence, and collaboration, critical to fostering
a positive work environment, improves team
morale, and drives innovation. In celebration of
International Women’s Day, SMITI SURI engages in
riveting discussions with 25 incredible women
about their chosen career paths, and why women’s
contributions to the supply chain sector and allied
industries are more critical than ever.
26 per cent C-Suite roles
now filled by Women:
Gartner
The logistics and supply chain
industry stands at the threshold
of a transformation, bravely
confronting its deep-rooted
gender imbalance. Traditionally
dominated by men, this sector is
currently experiencing a powerful
shift, marked by women assuming prominent roles and instigating transformative changes. This
heralds a future that is not only
brighter but also more inclusive,
promising a departure from historical norms. The industry’s
narrative is evolving as women
step into influential positions,
creating ripples of change that
resonate with the potential for
positive and lasting impact.
When we picture supply
chain management and logistics
professionals, we probably picture
a somewhat skewed view of the
workforce. Women have long been
underrepresented in logistics and
supply chain management, but
there are some positive signs of
change emerging. Gartner’s 2023
Women in Supply Chain Survey
found that women now make up
41 per cent of the supply chain
workforce, up from 39 per cent
in 2022. Increases were promi-
24 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024
* Gartner’s 2023 Women in
Supply Chain Survey found that
women now make up 41% of
the supply chain workforce, up
from 39% in 2022. Increases
were prominently seen within
the C-suite and executive level,
with 26% of those roles now
filled by women, a growth from
19% in 2022. This clearly isn’t
enough, but it is a significant
rise compared to 2019 and the
highest rate since 2016.
* A PwC report states that
improving the proportion of
women leads to higher financial
returns to logistics companies.
That’s why transportation and
logistics companies need to
take a serious look at how
they are implementing gender
diversity initiatives. Professional
development and mentoring
programmes can help women
get their share of promotions to
management
* A study by SCM World found
that 74% of men believe women’s
natural skills differ from
men – and that women’s skill
sets are highly regarded in the
supply chain management. These
skills include multi-tasking,
communication, collaboration,
and influence.
