Women in Supply Chain and Logistics - a Look Back and a Path Forward
The Career Progression and Impact of Women in
Supply Chain and Logistics
Since the creation of formal trade routes, logistics and supply chain management have been intrinsic to the development and success of societies.
This critical sector has historically been male-dominated, with women holding a rare presence. However, the tide has been gradually changing over the past few decades, witnessing a surge of female talent driving innovation, efficiency, and resilience in supply chain and logistics. This blog post will provide a snapshot of the inspiring journey of women in our industry.
The Early Days
The involvement of women in supply chain and logistics can be traced back to the world wars when women stepped up to fill in roles that were vacated by men who had gone to fight. These women worked in factories, managed inventories, and even drove delivery trucks. Despite their crucial role, their presence was considered temporary and often overlooked once the men returned.
The Mid-Twentieth Century: The Inception of Change
Post-World War II, societal attitudes gradually began to change. With the advent of the feminist movement in the 1960s and '70s, women started making inroads into traditionally male-dominated fields, including supply chain and logistics. In the US, Lillian Gilbreth, an industrial engineer, played a pivotal role during this era. She introduced scientific management techniques to logistics, paving the way for modern practices. Still, it was a long uphill climb as women often faced systemic bias and a lack of opportunities for advancement.
The Late Twentieth Century: A Shift Towards Equality
In the late 20th century, businesses began recognizing the benefits of diversity in the workplace, and women started rising to leadership positions in logistics. This period marked the rise of women in executive roles, like Ann Drake, who became the CEO of DSC Logistics in 1994. Drake made strides in transforming the company into a leader in supply chain management, demonstrating the significant impact of women in this field.
The 21st Century: A Dynamic Era of Progress and Empowerment
The new millennium ushered in a period of rapid progress for women in supply chain and logistics. An increasing number of women began to take on roles across all levels, from entry-level to senior management. Women such as Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, and Gwynne Shotwell, President, and COO of SpaceX, have since become stalwarts in supply chain management, paving the way for the next generation of female leaders.
Current Trends and Future Prospects
According to Gartner's 2021 Women in Supply Chain survey, the representation of women in the supply chain workforce increased to 39%, up from 35% in 2020. In addition, women now occupy 17% of Chief Supply Chain Officer roles, up from just 9% in 2020. This highlights a significant shift towards gender balance within the industry.
Despite this progress, challenges remain.
Many women still encounter roadblocks to advancement, including unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, and the struggle to balance work and family. However, organizations worldwide are implementing policies to tackle these issues, like flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and diversity and inclusion training.
Looking ahead, women have a promising future in supply chain and logistics. With the ever-changing industry landscape, implementations such as; artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer ample opportunities for women to excel in this dynamic industry.
The journey of women in supply chain and logistics reflects a narrative of tenacity, resilience, and growth. It's a story still being written, with every woman contributing to a new chapter. As we continue to foster gender equality, we must celebrate the accomplishments of women. As women in supply chain and logistics, Abby and I salute you!