Still a significant gender gap

Women are increasingly seeking opportunities in the logistics sector, according to Steff Boyd, managing director at Switch Recruit. “Freight and logistics have traditionally been a male-dominated field. While we have observed a notable increase in female participation, including in senior roles, there remains a significant gender gap within the industry.”Statistics confirm this trend. A study by Infographic shows that the logistics industry has the highest percentage of male graduates, with women making up only 35% of the total. Within the logistics and supply chain sector, women occupy just 20% of management positions.According to Boyd, increasing gender diversity in the logistics sector is crucial for fostering innovation and improving business outcomes. Diverse teams bring a range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, which can lead to more effective strategies and solutions. “The freight and logistics industry is often seen as a well-networked field, with players frequently collaborating to achieve greater goals or acting as each other's suppliers,” she says. Encouraging more women to enter the industry is crucial. “A significant portion of the industry is interconnected, and being well networked enables individuals to engage in high-level conversations and interact with decision-makers. This networked environment is a key aspect of recruitment and career advancement, making it essential for more women to become involved and leverage these opportunities.”Asked why women have traditionally shied away from logistics as a career, Boyd attributes this largely to perceptions about the nature of the job. “Many high-level positions in logistics require travel to potentially dangerous areas, which can be a deterrent for women concerned about safety or the challenges of leaving children behind for extended periods. Additionally, women often take on primary caregiving roles or are single mothers, which can limit their career growth and opportunities due to these responsibilities.”Boyd also notes that the sector’s male dominance has contributed to a lack of female leaders in the field. “There appears to be a shortage of women advancing into high-level roles, partly because many recruitment and decision-making processes are still predominantly made by men. This male-centric perspective, combined with the fact that many stakeholders in these roles are also male, can create a bias that the role may be more suitable for men.”But, she stresses, change is under way, and women are making significant strides, advancing into roles and leadership positions within the logistics industry.The logistics industry has the highest percentage of male graduates, with women making up only 35% of the total.– Steff Boyd“