Change is happening slowly but surely for increased gender equality and representation in the transport industry, says Irina Rodrigues, managing director of Mozambique logistics company OCL Group.
Theres a growing presence of women in operational, commercial and leadership roles - not just in administrative or support functions like in the past, she said.
More women are entering technical areas such as port operations, warehouse management, transport coordination and cargo planning. This visibility is important: it challenges long-held perceptions about gender and capability in freight.
She also notes a shift toward more deliberate talent development.
Industry players are beginning to invest more intentionally in training and mentorship pipelines to create pathways for women to grow and lead.
In parallel, theres also a cultural shift: leadership styles that prioritise emotional intelligence, collaboration and ethical decision-making are being recognised as critical for long-term sustainability. Many of these traits are naturally amplified when women are given space to lead authentically.
But the sector is still far from where it needs to be. Despite growing visibility of strong female leaders across senior and executive levels, women remain underrepresented in the broader logistics and transport workforce. Reports indicate that women make up only around 22 of this industry.
According to the World Bank, women account for only 12 of the transport sector specifically. It warns that this imbalance isnt just a statistic its a missed opportunity.
Read the full story in our Women in Freight edition of Freight Features, available this Friday, 8 August.