A stakeholder consultation titled ‘Empowering Women in the Logistics Sector’ was convened on 22 March, at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, under the auspices of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The primary objective was to foster greater female engagement in the logistics industry, aligning with the nation’s Viksit Bharat vision for 2047.
The consultation convened over 50 professionals representing a diverse spectrum, including industry associations, MSMEs, large enterprises, skill training institutes, academia, as well as bilateral and multilateral institutes.
The gathering aimed to collectively strategise and chart a course towards gender inclusivity in logistics. Central to the discourse was the imperative of fostering a supportive ecosystem that facilitates and encourages women’s participation across all tiers of the logistics chain.
Discussions delved into multifaceted challenges impeding women’s entry and retention in the logistics workforce, spanning from infrastructural hurdles to the imperative of policy reforms prioritising women’s safety, training and career progression.
Moreover, the deliberations illuminated the latent potential of women in driving innovation and efficiency within the logistics domain. Noteworthy success stories and global best practices showcasing the transformative effects of heightened female involvement in the sector were shared, underscoring the immense opportunities awaiting exploration.
Looking ahead, the consultation will embark on an extensive feedback-gathering exercise from pertinent stakeholders to craft a comprehensive roadmap aimed at cultivating an enabling environment conducive to augmenting women’s participation in the logistics sector.
Rajeev Singh Thakur, additional secretary, DPIIT, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the pivotal role of gender diversity in propelling the logistics sector’s expansion and innovation.
