Status of Women in Logistics

The logistic sector is still a male-dominant sector even though there has been a rise of women in the business world. An estimated total of 125 million people work in the logistics industry but women only make up one to two percent of the workforce.

Celebrating Women in the Industry

Companies are trying to redress the gender imbalances in the industry and more and more women are joining the logistics and supply chain companies at all levels. It is time we learn more about the role of women in logistics and put faces to the names of these remarkable women. The 3 women featured below have risen, made strides and have also created opportunities for other women to do the same.

1 – Ellen Voie

Voie is the founder and CEO of ‘Women in Trucking’ which is an organisation which aims to encourage the employment of women in the trucking business. Women in Trucking hosts an Annual Award ceremony for women, it also creates a platform for women to network with each other and become more knowledgeable about the industry.

2. Judy R. McReynolds

Not only is ArcBest Corporation a multi-billion-dollar company and one of the biggest logistics companies, it is also under the leadership of a remarkable woman, Judy R. McReynolds. McReynolds joined ArcBest in 1997 as the Director of Accounting. She has been the Chief Executive Officer of ArcBest since the beginning of 2010, and has an impressive track record of over 26 years of experience in the industry.

3. Jacqueline O’ Donovon

The Managing Director of O’Donovon Waste Disposal, Jacqueline O’Donovon, started creating her strides at the age of 19. O’ Donovon opens up about how difficult it was to be taken seriously in the industry as a young woman. On top of that, she also had to deal with the pressure of following in her father’s footsteps. However, she is proud of the fact that O’ Donovon Waste Disposal has grown and has a turnover of more than £19m.

Women are certainly breaking boundaries, they are entering workspaces that were (and still are) dominated by men and that’s something worth celebrating. The Röhlig-Grindrod team would like to wish all the wonderful ladies out there Happy Women’s Day!