Women breaking barriers in the logistics sector

The logistics sector has long been dominated by men, with women facing various challenges when trying to break into the industry. A recent study conducted over three years in East Africa by Trademark revealed some eye-opening statistics. Across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, only 20% of the employees in the logistics sector are women. The disparities are stark, with Rwanda leading the pack at 33%, while other East African countries lag behind with less than 20% representation of women. This underrepresentation of women in the logistics industry highlights a significant gender gap that needs to be addressed. Traditionally, the logistics sector has been associated with physical labor, leading to misconceptions that women are not suited for such roles. However, with technological advancements reducing the need for heavy lifting, the sector is slowly opening up to women. Despite progress, the pace of change is not rapid enough to ensure gender equality in the industry. To incentivize more women to join the logistics sector, addressing the issue of lower pay and limited involvement in productive roles is crucial. Women often find themselves in clerical positions rather than actively engaged in the core logistics operations. To tackle this, Trademark has been collaborating with the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations to develop a training curriculum that attracts both men and women. By empowering more women with the necessary skills, the aim is to increase their participation in the productive aspects of the logistics sector. While progress is being made, there are still challenges to overcome. More than 80% of women in the logistics sector are mothers, raising questions about childcare policies in the workplace. These cultural and societal barriers require comprehensive solutions that involve working closely with governments and regulators to ensure gender inclusivity at all levels of the industry. Despite the hurdles, there are shining examples of women excelling in non-traditional roles within the logistics sector. By empowering more women to operate machinery at ports and manage marine systems, there is potential for significant transformation in the industry. However, it will require a collective effort and a commitment to dismantling deep-rooted biases and practices that hinder women's progress in the logistics sector.