In an increasingly modern age, where everything constantly changes, women’s presence is becoming increasingly important. The role of women has evolved greatly over the years and is beginning to assert itself in the industrial world. The supply chain is a complex, demanding field, historically male-dominated but now in the throes of change, women in supply chain.
For some, this change is seen as an opportunity; for others, it fuels preconceived ideas: today, many people think that being a woman is an open door to many professions, with companies emphasizing diversity over competence.
But Is This Really The Case?
According to a North American study, women in supply chain represent 40% of the workforce in North America, including 26% in senior positions, representing an increase of around 7% over the last 5 years. We can see, then, that although the rhetoric of inclusion is in everyone’s minds, the reality is not always easy to implement.
And what about the future? Data on female students in logistics, industrial engineering or operations management show a growing, but still minority, interest: it is estimated that women account for between 25% and 35% of enrolments in university programs related to the supply chain.
Why such an imbalance? Historically, the supply chain dates to the days of the army, a male-dominated environment. What’s more, many people still associate industry with machining or physical labor. According to some surveys, many women find it difficult to progress in a supply chain company, and the concrete lack of female role models encourages clichés.
At Avalon CSC, our supply chain expertise ranges from strategy and production to planning and warehousing operations. Karina di Giovanni is the business Development Manager and Planning Director, and Julie Fontaine is the supply Chain and Transportation Manager.
What Are The Advantages of Women in Supply Chain?
Studies highlight that women bring valuable skills to the supply chain that go far beyond conventional expectations: their qualities in communication, coordination and team management foster a more collaborative and efficient working climate.
They also help reinforce the company’s image, embodying values of openness and diversity. This makes the supply chain more attractive, particularly to the younger generation whose vision of work has evolved considerably, or even to customers who identify with the company’s values and the people who bring it to life.
There’s a growing awareness that diversity makes a real difference. Studies show that teams staffed by women are often more rigorous, better organized and bring a fresh perspective to solving complex problems. And it’s not just a feeling: according to a McKinsey study, companies with more women on their management teams are 48% more likely to perform better financially. If these teams are made up of equal numbers of men and women, this probability will climb higher and higher.
But Why Would These Skills Be Unique to Women?
Indeed, these skills are not unique to women, just as they are not relative to men. Skills are not gender specific.
It’s not a question of saying that women are “better”; it’s a question of recognizing that a mix of viewpoints, management styles, and approaches enriches teams, reinforces adaptability, and opens new perspectives in a supply chain world in the throes of transformation and facing ever-more-new challenges.
Conclusion
At Avalon CSC, we strive to use our best resources to address the challenges our customers present. This means having strong figures at the cutting edge of their fields to provide the most suitable solutions to each one, regardless of gender, and more by combining the strengths and skills of all for the customer’s benefit.
The Avalon CSC team is here to support you and put the best of our expertise into working for you.
