International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, marked annually on March 8th. It serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity and empowering women across all spheres of life. This day's significance lies in its history, which dates back to the early 20th century, evolving from the labour movements in North America and Europe to become a focal point in the global struggle for women's rights and gender equality.
In the traditionally male-dominated logistics industry, the narrative has been gradually changing, reflecting a broader shift towards gender diversity and inclusion. Historically, logistics has been perceived as a sector requiring physical labour and extensive fieldwork, inadvertently creating barriers to women's participation.
However, this perception is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to technological advancements, evolving industry needs, and a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in the workplace.
The evolution of women's roles in the logistics industry
The logistics industry has witnessed a notable evolution, with women entering the field in greater numbers. According to an article by Women Entrepreneur India, until 2010, women formed only 8% of the logistics workforce globally, with factors such as erratic work hours, harsh working conditions, and preconceived notions about gender roles actively discouraging women from entering the field and the industry from pursuing more women. But by 2018, the female workforce in the global logistics workforce increased to 20%.
India has also made remarkable improvement, with the number increasing to almost 15%. This shift not only highlights an increasing openness to gender diversity but also underscores the fact that women are no longer confined to basic roles. They are taking up more challenging roles and even stepping into leadership positions within the logistics sector, driving forward the industry's growth and innovation with their contributions.
Women are breaking the glass ceiling and challenging the status quo. This shift is evidence of the changing dynamics of the industry, where gender diversity is increasingly seen as a driver of innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Overcoming challenges achieving gender equality in India
Overcoming challenges in achieving gender equality in India requires a nuanced understanding of the progress made and the hurdles that remain. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 published by the World Economic Forum, Europe has he highest gender parity of all regions at 76.3%. In contrast, Southern Asia, which includes India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, has achieved a gender parity score of 63.4%.
There is still a long way to go and women in India still face preconceived notions and barriers that stem from the industry's traditionally male-dominated culture. These include gender bias, limited access to networking opportunities, and a lack of family-friendly workplace policies. To address these challenges, the industry is adopting various strategies to actively promote gender equality through organisational culture and practices.
DHL India’s Initiatives
DHL India stands out for its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, emphasising the core values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). As a company powered by people, DEIB is a foundational principle that goes to the heart of everything DHL Group does. By actively promoting DEIB, DHL India is dedicated to developing the best workforce, driving innovation, and enabling its people so that everyone can make a meaningful difference with their contributions.
