At CJ Darcl, we have implemented various initiatives to promote a safe and inclusive environment for women in the logistics industry, including Code of Conduct training and POSH awareness program. We are also committed to expanding job opportunities for women in this field.
Advancements in technology have made it possible for women to participate in roles that were previously considered too physically demanding, such as operating forklifts and using robots in warehouses.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards gender diversity in the logistics industry. This has led to increased efficiency, as more women are recognized for their talent and contributions. Globally, the number of women in the logistics and supply chain industry has grown from 8% to 20% within the last eight years. In India, however, the share of women in the industry is still low, with an estimated 15-20% of the workforce being made up of women.
There are several factors contributing to this increase in gender diversity in the industry. Many companies are setting and implementing goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with estimates suggesting that 73% of supply chain organizations now have DEI goals, up from 64% in 2020. Indian companies are also actively working to recruit more women in blue-collar jobs to promote gender diversity in the workplace. We have seen a significant growth in the number of women employees in the last two years, with the share of women employees tripling in 2021.
The integration of technology in logistics operations has expanded the opportunities for women in the industry. Women can now participate in tasks that were previously only done by men, such as operating forklifts for heavy lifting, and using machines for picking and sorting tasks independently. Additionally, the use of robots in warehouses has opened up new opportunities for women in managing and directing cargo.
The transportation sector, in particular, is still largely male-dominated, with very few female truck drivers. However, there are opportunities for women in the last-mile delivery segment, and as demand for logistics services continues to grow, there will likely be more opportunities for women in the industry overall.
Leading e-commerce companies have announced plans to hire more women employees.
E-commerce companies have set up fulfillment centers and implemented gender diversity initiatives to increase the number of women in roles such as sorting, packing, loading, and customer support. It is predicted that delivery businesses may see a significant increase in their female workforce, and specialized delivery businesses have also reported an uptick in female employees.
At CJ Darcl, we are expanding work opportunities for women in the logistics industry, as the demand for logistics services continues to grow.
The logistics industry offers numerous benefits, including job security, flexible hours, and competitive pay. The industry is diverse and offers a wide range of opportunities, from working in an office to a factory floor or delivery center. The logistics industry is also in high demand, with many different industries and organizations dependent on it.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics in the US projects that employment of logisticians will increase by 4% between 2019 and 2029, and similar growth is expected in India as the logistics sector continues to expand and require more employees. These factors make logistics a lucrative and challenging career, with opportunities for advancement and the chance to work with people from all around the world.
The opportunities that we are offering come in a variety of job roles and skill sets and require a good understanding of supply chain management and logistics, the ability to analyze data and identify trends, experience with inventory control systems, and knowledge of transportation, warehousing, distribution, and product movements. Additionally, strong leadership, resilience, communication, and problem-solving abilities are also highly valued in the logistics industry.
The government has been taking steps to increase women's participation in the workforce by implementing laws and policies aimed at promoting safety and inclusion in the workplace.
One such example is the mandatory POSH training, which raises awareness about sexual harassment and molestation at work. Companies can also improve their policies for women by making them more transparent and accessible to all employees, and by creating new positions such as Chief Diversity Officer or Chief Inclusion Officer. In addition, to create a gender-neutral environment, companies need to ensure that their policies do not discriminate against women.
However, the field work still poses a challenge for women, as rest stops for truck drivers are often shared accommodations with inadequate washroom infrastructure, hygiene, and physical security arrangements. To overcome this, regular training for female staff, especially in field roles, should be mandatory to make them mentally prepared for equalizing the field roles.
At CJ Darcl, we have employee training and career enhancement programs in place to encourage more women to take up a career in logistics. These include Code of Conduct training for both genders, teaching the right way to behave with women employees, POSH awareness program, which ensures protection against any molestation or harassment in the company, and annual Breast Cancer awareness program for the health and wellness of female employees.
It's important to note that change in mindset and acceptance is also crucial to make women feel safe, secure, and truly empowered in the workplace. Senior management should reiterate this message through formal and informal means with their colleagues and subordinates for a systematic change to take place.
