Supply chain management has historically been perceived as a male-dominated workforce, with men occupying the majority of management roles in distribution and warehousing. This perception, alongside limited educational opportunities, has made it more difficult for women to gain entry or advance in the supply chain industry.
Nevertheless, women are increasingly becoming supply chain professionals and executives across the globe. According to a 2022 Gartner Survey, women comprise 39 percent of the world’s supply chain workforce and make up 34 percent of first-line managers and 19 percent of senior executives. While this is progress, it indicates that women are less represented in senior management or executive roles. For the supply chain to be inclusive, progress needs to be made within individual countries to harness the dividends of such an enterprise.