MLG: Bridging the Knowledge and Skill Gap

Logistics industry continues to face shortage of sufficient role models for aspiring women professionals.

Despite women consistently proving their capabilities and making strides in various professional domains, however, in the logistics industry, they encounter several challenges, including stereotypes and the need to compete in a predominantly male-dominated arena. The nature of logistics, as a 24-hour industry with never-ending working hours, can be a significant deterrent for many women who are juggling both career and household responsibilities. The scarcity of women in leadership roles further compounds the challenge. Plus, there is a widespread lack of knowledge about the diverse opportunities available in logistics, which may deter women from considering it as a viable career option.

MLG is addressing the skill gap prevalent in the logistics industry by training fresh talent entering the field and making them job-ready.

Established in 2019, MLG offers a range of courses, both online and offline, catering to entry-level individuals as well as those seeking skill enhancement in the logistics industry. Over the years, we have provided training to over 3500 individuals, and this number continues to grow steadily.

The rapidly evolving nature of logistics demands a workforce that is not only well-versed in traditional practices but also adaptable to technological advancements and industry trends. As a future ready company, MLG is at the forefront of this endeavor, ensuring that freshers are skilled and existing industry personnel are reskilled and upskilled. We offer bite-size training courses for industry professionals to upskill themselves and short-term courses for aspiring logisticians.

My focus is on spreading awareness in the field of logistics and training the next generation of professionals.

After my tenure at Air India and at the Airports Authority of India, I transitioned into the training sector, where I helped establish the Bird Academy. Subsequently, I joined IATA as Manager of Regional Training Centers and later moved on to BigSpring, before finding my current role as CEO at MLG, where I hold a multifaceted role that includes overseeing the company’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations.

One of my key responsibilities is representing MLG at various industry events, seminars, and conferences. I actively engage in discussions about increasing women's participation in the logistics sector, advocating for gender diversity, and arranging industry visits to enhance awareness among aspiring professionals. I regularly visit colleges and institutions to raise awareness about the exciting opportunities within the logistics industry.

My dedication, continuous pursuit of knowledge, and passion for the logistics sector have been my driving force. With many years of experience in cargo, I navigate confidently through warehouses, airports, and passenger and cargo terminals. My presence, along with other female team members, serves as an example for other women to emulate and be part of this vibrant, challenging, and dynamic industry.

The expanding logistics sector presents an encouraging landscape for women to explore diverse career paths within it.

The expansion of the logistics industry unfolds a myriad of opportunities for women to explore and contribute - from supply chain management and technology to specialized transport and innovation. Companies within the logistics sector are actively seeking to diversify their workforce, creating opportunities for women in various roles, at entry-level, mid-level, and high-level positions.

Numerous initiatives are underway, both in India and at the international level, especially within Manufacturing, E-commerce, Warehousing, Freight Forwarding, Airlines, and Shipping, to absorb more women into the industry. It's noteworthy that some companies have established specific targets for the minimum number of women in certain roles, demonstrating a commitment to increasing female participation and fostering a more inclusive and diverse work environment.

Gender diversity is a fundamental factor in developing a new, responsible, agile, and more efficient logistics model.

The logistics industry holds tremendous potential; logistics is not merely about moving heavy boxes; it encompasses a wide array of roles, where skills such as organization, process improvement, digitization, and customer experience are paramount. It's important to recognize that logistics is a dynamic field where one’s unique perspectives and skills are considered valuable assets.

Women must believe in their capabilities. It's time to move away from “conventional” careers, and challenge stereotypes. The wider your vision, the better equipped you will be to respond to the challenges. Women have a lot to contribute to the future of logistics - an industry that is evolving, and where your participation will be instrumental in creating a more inclusive, innovative, and successful future for the sector.

As opposed to other industries, pay parity is not really a concern in the logistics domain.

Many leading Logistics Service Providers recognize the importance of equal opportunities and are dedicated to advocating fair remuneration. By actively working towards bridging this gap, these organizations aim to create an inclusive environment where women in logistics receive the recognition and compensation they rightfully deserve.

To enhance women's participation, logistics companies must encourage a supportive and inclusive environment.

Launching awareness campaigns is crucial to dispel stereotypes and highlight the diverse career opportunities available for women in logistics. These campaigns can be conducted through various mediums to reach a broad audience and showcase successful female professionals in the industry. To this end, MLG conducts regular awareness workshops at various colleges and institutions. These workshops can also address any misconceptions and inspire more young women to consider logistics as a viable career path.

Actively engaging in targeted recruitment efforts can help attract more women to the logistics sector. Companies can focus on creating diverse talent pipelines and implementing strategies to appeal to a broader range of candidates. Creating an organizational culture that values and promotes equality is crucial.

Collaborating with industry partners is essential for fostering gender diversity. MyLogistics Gurukul actively engages with industry partners to promote and facilitate opportunities for women.

Initiatives aimed at making a change at the grassroots level can have a profound impact. For example, at MLG, we visited a number of villages in Haryana and trained the women on various job roles like picking, packing, scanning, and sorting, encouraging them to consider careers in the ever-growing logistics industry. Such initiatives empower women at the local level and contribute to building a more diverse workforce.