The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) is proud to announce its second Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference. Themed “The How To’s of Success for Women”, the event takes place on Friday, 25 October 2024, at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg. 

"We recognise the crucial role women play in the success of these vital industries," says Catherine Larkin, Executive Director of CILTSA. "However, despite their growing presence, women remain under-represented, particularly in leadership positions."

Addressing the gender gap

This conference directly tackles this gender gap. While women comprise a significant portion of the global supply chain workforce (around 41%), leadership roles remain heavily male-dominated (only 23% of Vice President-level positions are held by women, according to consulting firm Gartner). In South Africa specifically, women make up only 28% of the logistics and transport sector workforce.

A recent survey by the Professional Body for Supply Chain Management (SAPICS) highlighted persistent gender inequality within the profession. According to the survey, 64% of female respondents reported experiencing or witnessing gender discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, 36% of women indicated that salaries for men were higher in their organisations, and 70% had encountered resistance when leading male colleagues. 

This underlines the necessity for events like this conference to address these disparities and promote a more equitable industry landscape.

More than just statistics

The conference goes beyond statistics. “Our aim is to foster a supportive community through networking, mentorship, and the exchange of best practices, all with a dash of inspiration and entertainment!” explains Larkin. “By bringing women together from across transport, logistics, and supply chain, it allows them to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. This collaborative environment is key to inspiring the next generation of female leaders. It’s all about empowered women, empowering women!”

This event aligns with the broader industry goals of promoting diversity and inclusion. The conference aims to provide a platform for addressing gender issues by equipping attendees with the tools and networks necessary for overcoming these challenges.

Empowering women for a brighter future

The CILTSA Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference is a significant step towards a more diverse and inclusive future. By equipping women with the skills and resources to succeed, the conference empowers them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential, ultimately making a greater contribution to the South African economy.

The aims of the Conference are to connect women to tangible business opportunities, share knowledge, tools, and resources for empowerment, foster collaboration amongst women within the sector and unite African female business owners and women in business.

The event is aimed at women entrepreneurs in transport, logistics, and supply chain, and women in business.

Programme topics include:

• Fireside Chat: My journey and how I did it.
• Captivate the Room: Owning your stage and mastering presentations
• What's out there to support women in transport, logistics and supply chain?
• Make your voice heard at the table: Honing negotiation skills.
• Power up your career: Lifelong learning and strategies for work-life balance.
• Investing in you: Budgeting basics for a brighter financial future.
• Blooming bold: Cultivating confidence through mentorship and networking.

“Together, we can empower women to lead the future of logistics, transport, and supply chain in South Africa. In a fast-changing industry, our strength is in how we work together and harness capability,” concludes Larkin.

The event is sponsored by the NMU Business School and JC Auditors.