From Challenges to Champions: Women Shaping the Logistics Industry

Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO, MyLogistics Gurukul & Chairperson of Skill Task Pillar-ACFI, beautifully penned down – Honoring Women in Logistics: More Than Just a Day of Celebration

As women are stepping up, challenging norms and making a lasting impact in an industry which is essentially male dominated – from freight forwarding to Supply Chain Automation, it’s not enough for few posts on social media or host a panel discussion around a certain part of the year- but true progress requires year-round action. Recognizing the role women play in logistics will not only encourage more female participation but also strengthen the industry as a whole.

How We Can Celebrate and Support Women in Logistics?

>> Recognizing Women’s Contributions

Women are making significant strides across freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain management. These achievements could be highlighted in industry reports and company newsletters helps create a culture of acknowledgment.

>> Sharing Their Stories: There are a number of organizations which are led by women and I am sure these women must have come across many hurdles and challenges to reach the top but largely their stories remain untold. Featuring them in trade magazines, leadership talks, and industry podcasts will inspire future generations and bring attention to the barriers they’ve overcome.

>> Creating Platforms for Networking and Collaboration: Establishing dedicated task forces or mentorship programs where women can connect and share experiences will strengthen the community. Organizations like Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) already provide excellent opportunities for professional growth. The ACFI has just constituted the Women Empowerment Task Pillar.

>> Introducing Leadership & Mentorship Programs: Senior women leaders mentoring young professionals can help bridge the confidence gap and provide much-needed guidance. I understand that certain companies are already investing in structured leadership training for women.

>> Advocating for Workplace Policy Changes: Companies need to prioritize equal pay, have a Women’s cell where women can go and speak up about any of the concerns they are facing in their work place, support they need when bringing up families, work-life balance and leadership development programs for women. Reports show that organizations with diverse leadership outperform competitors by 25%, proving that inclusivity benefits everyone.

A lot of this is already happening and many organizations are providing support to women by already taking these steps, but much more needs to be done so that we ensure that women in logistics are celebrated—not just on IWD but every day.

Can you share any challenges you’ve faced as a woman working in the cargo and logistics industry, and also, how did you overcome them?

While mostly it has been a comfortable journey but since I entered the Cargo industry a long time back and especially the cargo side of the airports was a much-neglected area as compared to the passenger side, there were lack of amenities and infrastructure was also not so well developed. I remember very well that during one of the organizations that I had served, basic facilities like a Ladies rest room were not available. But my male colleagues were really chivalrous and helpful and they would take me to the nearest 5 star hotel!! Transportation was also a challenge but again male colleagues to the rescue as they would offer to pick me up and drop me from home to place of work.

How can women in the cargo and logistics industry take advantage of the opportunities created by digitalisation to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in the industry?

Technology is redefining the cargo and logistics industry. Traditional, labor-intensive roles are evolving into tech-driven, data-powered jobs. This shift presents an incredible opportunity for women—allowing them to enter leadership roles and expand their influence like never before

Women Can and should Harness Digitalization in Logistics by:

Upskilling in Digital Tools and Data Analysis: They should be encouraged to learn and master supply chain automation, AI-driven analytics, and logistics software.

Tools like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are becoming industry standards. Utilizing CRM and Customer-Centric Technologies. Mastering customer relationship management (CRM) tools will help women manage operations efficiently and improve real-time cargo tracking.

Taking Leadership in Digital Transformation: Logistics companies are increasingly turning to AI and automation to optimize supply chains. Women who lead digital initiatives—from inventory forecasting to real-time shipment tracking—will shape the industry’s future.

Becoming Data-Driven Decision Makers: The future of logistics is data-centric, and understanding how to analyze trends and optimize supply chain operations will set women apart.

Networking in Tech-Driven Logistics Circles: Joining tech-driven logistics communities and participating in industry conferences will keep women ahead of industry trends.

The bottom line? Digitalization is the great equalizer, leveling the playing field for women in logistics. Now is the time to embrace these changes and take charge.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in the cargo and logistics industry?

Massive Job Opportunities: With the sector expanding rapidly, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in areas such as freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain automation. In fact, organizations are focusing on hiring more women as they want to create a balanced workforce and in certain job roles women are given a preference over men.

Technology and Automation are Creating a More Inclusive Environment: As the industry shifts towards automation, traditional physical labor-intensive roles are being replaced with tech-enabled positions, making the field more accessible for women.

Flexible Work Opportunities:  Remote and hybrid work options are growing within logistics, allowing for better work-life balance.

Increasing Women in Leadership Roles: More companies are actively seeking female leaders to drive their digital transformation and operational efficiency.

Diverse Career Paths: Whether in e-commerce logistics, warehousing, supply chain strategy, or sustainability management, women have endless career choices in this field.

Over all a career in logistics provides everything and more than what one would look forward to a career: a good salary package, opportunities to rise up the ladder, opportunities to travel- within the country and globally, meeting and networking with people from diverse cultures and background and all other that one would look for in a career.

Please share an excerpt from your journey or any of your experiences working as a woman in the cargo/logistics industry.

Overall it has been a great experience. My first brush with Cargo was during my very first job. Women only took up cargo because it provided them normal working hours as compared to working in shifts. Once I was there (for the same reason), I realized how much learning there was in cargo and Cargo was one of the major revenue earners for an airline. I got to see closely how animal charters operated, how a dog could be transported and how rally cars were put on aircrafts. I also saw how perishables- like meat, poultry were carried on aircrafts.

I enjoy navigating my way inside a warehouse, and over the years, I have seen handling of cargo and cargo terminals becoming more and more specialized and I wish more women will join this exciting industry.