Various industry leaders discuss the importance of promoting gender diversity and inclusion in logistics. They emphasise fostering inclusivity, implementing equal opportunity policies, and supporting career advancement through mentorship and flexible work arrangements.
Jane Vaz
President, Air Cargo Club of Bombay; Manager Sales – India, ATC AviationI would like to say to all young women aspirants: dream high and pursue your goals. Believe in yourself first. Patience, humility, commitment, and consistency will only bring you closer and closer to your dreams. I would only say, never be afraid of dreaming, and remember that you are what you believe you are, so ignore the biases and keep at it. Keep learning and be deeply rooted in your values. So, when you walk in every day at work, know that you are actually trying to make a difference in the world. And just be your best wherever you stand; you will shine out like a star.
Indrani Chatterjee
Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Allcargo GroupLogistics has always been a service-driven industry. Given the dynamic nature of the industry, it is extremely encouraging to see that more and more logistics companies are emphasising the role of inclusivity in driving innovation, service competency, as well as industry and economic growth. Logistics companies are no longer employing women only in soft-skill-driven roles. Women’s representation is gradually growing in skill- and expertise-focused roles, both in entry-level operations-centric profiles and leadership positions. In line with this year’s theme of International Women’s Day, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, we need to further broaden our perspective towards training and deploying more women professionals, as robust women’s participation in the logistics workforce will further strengthen the industry’s service delivery capabilities. We should continue working towards building a convenient workplace environment, along with offering comprehensive training and mentorship to women professionals, to firm up workforce diversity.
Apeksha Bhadauria
Director, Human Resources, Air & Sea, Indian SubcontinentPromoting gender diversity and inclusion in the logistics industry is crucial for creating a more balanced and innovative workforce. Implementing and enforcing equal opportunity employment policies to ensure fair hiring practices, regardless of gender, is essential. Establishing transparent and unbiased recruitment processes to attract a diverse pool of candidates will surely make a difference. Creating mentorship programs that pair experienced professionals with women in the early stages of their logistics careers will elevate the career advancement of talented women.
Ruchi Sodhi
Ruchi Sodhi, Head Marketing, DSV Indian SubcontinentPromoting not only gender diversity but diversity itself in any industry, including the supply chain, is crucial for fostering innovation, resilience, and inclusivity. Creating an inclusive and diverse environment where all individuals feel valued and respected not only strengthens the workforce but also improves overall business performance and competitiveness in a global market.
Rajni Bhaskaran
Executive Asst – RD/MD – ISC & Senior Administration Manager – IndiaGender diversity still requires a lot of work to be done at the educational level in terms of the courses required for employment in the logistics sector. In organisations, especially in reference to the supply chain, gender diversity needs to reach a ratio of at least 40 percent. Over the last decade, there has been a rise in this aspect; in fact, DSV’s senior management has five women heading the ISC sector. Gender diversity requires ongoing effort and commitment from individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. We see promising changes happening very soon.
Sasmita MOHANTY
CHRO – South Asia, Bollore Logistics IndiaAs of my last update, there isn’t a singular, universally applicable ratio of males to females in the logistics industry, varying significantly based on sector, geography, and job role. Historically, logistics has been male-dominated, particularly in roles like port operations and warehousing. Efforts to increase gender diversity and inclusion are ongoing, aiming to attract more women, support their advancement, and create inclusive workplaces. Despite progress, achieving gender parity and greater representation remains a goal. Strategic steps include establishing policies for equal opportunities and pay equity, providing diversity training, organising networking events, offering flexible work arrangements, developing leadership programmes for women, establishing employee resource groups, and collaborating with external oganisations. By fostering inclusivity, the industry can empower women and advance their careers.
Sweety Sharma
CONCORTo actively promote gender diversity and inclusion in the logistics industry, companies can implement various initiatives. Fostering a culture of inclusivity through awareness campaigns and training programs creates a supportive environment for women. Establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs provides guidance and opportunities for career advancement. Offering flexible work arrangements and childcare support helps women balance work and family responsibilities. Actively recruiting and promoting women to leadership positions showcases their capabilities, encouraging others to aspire to similar roles. By implementing these initiatives, the logistics industry can attract, retain, and advance talented women, driving greater diversity and innovation. An example of this commitment is the Pink warehouse, which operates with an all-female workforce handling import, export, crane operations, and overall management. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunities for women in logistics.
