How Women Are Leading in the Supply Chain Industry in 2025

As supply chains continue to evolve, so does the workforce that keeps them moving. With Women’s History Month coming to an end, now is the time to highlight the impact of women in supply chain management and leadership. 

Celebrating women in supply chain leadership is important not only because they represent greater opportunities for women, but also because companies with diverse leadership teams are shown to be more innovative and profitable – a study by McKinsey & Company shows companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity have an average 27-percent financial advantage. 

Recognizing the impact of female leadership in the logistics industry goes beyond corporate social responsibility; it’s about building a stronger and more resilient supply chain for the years to come. 

International Women’s Day: A Brief History 

The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched in New York City, advocating for better wages, reduced work hours, and voting rights. The first official International Women’s Day recognized by the United Nations was celebrated in 1977, but it’s been recognized in countries like the United States, Germany, and Switzerland since the beginning of the twentieth century. International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide with concerts, exhibitions, demonstrations, and marches. 

Women’s Influence Across the Supply Chain 

 From 3PLs to manufacturers to retailers, women are leaving their mark on every stage of the supply chain, and the numbers don’t lie:  

• 41% of supply chain professionals are women, a number that’s grown steadily over the past decade 
• 26% of supply chain C-suite roles are now held by women, up from just 19% in 2021 
• Women hold 1 in 4 manufacturing management positions 

Women are stepping into roles in operations, customer service, training, and leadership to help transform supply chains with innovation, collaboration, and resilience. However, it’s not just about the supply chain industry – women are also making strides in manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and ecommerce, shaping the future of supply chain strategy and execution. 

Women in Manufacturing, Logistics, & Retail 

The rise of female leaders in the manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sectors complements the growing presence of women in 3PL (third-party logistics) companies. Women are managing distribution centers, leading transportation teams, and shaping customer experience strategies in larger numbers than ever before. 

Many women-led businesses are transforming e–commerce logistics by prioritizing sustainability, ethical sourcing, and efficient fulfillment strategies. The increasing presence of women in decision-making positions means the industry benefits from new leadership styles, fresh ideas, and thoughtful approaches to logistics strategies. 

The Value of Diverse Leadership in Supply Chain  

The influence of women in supply chain leadership goes beyond representation. Diverse teams foster more valuable outcomes, drive more significant innovation, and enhance adaptability, all of which are essential for success. 

Why More Women in Leadership is a Win for Everyone 

The rise of women-owned and women-led businesses continues to reshape industries, yet challenges persist. Increasing representation in leadership helps drive: 

• Better Problem-Solving & Advancement – A 2024 Deloitte study shows diversity of perspectives fosters stronger decision-making and creative solutions to supply chain challenges 
• Stronger Business Performance – Companies with gender-diverse leadership consistently outperform others in their industry, with higher profitability and stronger resilience during disruptions. 
• Happier Workplaces  – More inclusive workplace cultures that foster collaboration, engagement, and long-term career growth. 
• Forward-Thinking Teams – Organizations with culture- and gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to make better decisions and be open to continuous improvement.

How Companies Can Support Women in Supply Chain 

As we look ahead, businesses must continue to build on this momentum and support women in logistics and supply chain roles. Here’s how: 

• Invest in career development and mentorship programs to help women progress into leadership roles. Recognize how women can contribute across the supply chain, from material handlers to CSCOs. 
• Provide leadership training for women in operations, customer service, and logistics management. Encourage women in your organization to take on cross-functional roles that can evolve into growth opportunities. 
• Ensure inclusive policies like flexible scheduling and family-friendly benefits to support work-life balance. Thoughtful employee policies can improve engagement and satisfaction for men and women alike. 
• Reaffirm commitment to diversity goals despite industry changes and ensure teams are held accountable. When diversity initiatives fall by the wayside, companies risk losing talent that helps them maintain a competitive advantage. 

The Future of Women in Supply Chain 

During Women’s History Month, we at WSI celebrate women in supply chain leadership who are actively shaping the future of our industry. Their contributions have created more resilient, efficient, and innovative supply chains, demonstrating that diversity in leadership isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it is essential.  

We encourage others to invest in the future of women in the supply chain through mentorship, training programs, or inclusive policies – every effort helps to build a more diverse, equitable, and progressive industry.