INTERVIEW : Women’s Participation in India’s Logistics Sector
Recently, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, released a study titled “Enabling Women’s Participation in India’s Logistics Sector.” The study highlights key insights and strategies to enhance women’s participation in India’s logistics sector.
India Shipping News in an Interview with Ms. Sonia Nair, National Head – Customer Service at Blue Dart Express to finds out about the Challenges and Opportunities for Women in the Logistics sector.
Excerpts from the Interview
How did you end up working in this industry, and/or in the logistics and transportation sector?
While working in the finance sector and seeking a career change in my profile, I had come across a newspaper advertisement that led me to meet the founders of a growing company, and that first interview set the stage for what has become an exciting and fulfilling journey. Post the meeting, I quickly realized logistics is the backbone of all industries. At Blue Dart, we live by “We Move So Your World Can Move.” It’s a simple, yet powerful phrase that perfectly captures the essence of what we do. Today, the logistics sector is thriving, fuelled by technology, expansion into smaller towns, and supportive government policies. With innovation driving growth, the future of logistics is bright, and I’m proud to be part of this dynamic industry.
What unique perspectives or strengths do you believe women bring to the logistics and supply chain sectors?
I firmly believe that women bring a range of unique perspectives and strengths to the logistics and supply chain sector, enriching the industry in many valuable ways. Women in our industry often excel at building strong, collaborative relationships, both within teams and with external partners. We are praised for our ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and priorities simultaneously. In logistics and supply chain management, this translates to being able to manage complex operations, balance numerous stakeholders, and maintain efficiency across different functions. In an industry that relies heavily on networking, negotiation, and customer service, women’s ability to foster trust and open communication can drive long-term success and create smoother operations.
Can you share a story/challenge or lesson that highlights the diverse experiences of being a woman in this industry?
Just like other sectors, the logistics industry too underwent significant changes post the COVID-19 pandemic, and women working in the sector embraced these challenges that came their way and converted them into opportunities. The pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work for roles that could be done virtually, such as logistics planning, customer service, and supply chain management. Today, this shift has made the industry flexible, allowing more women to balance professional and personal responsibilities, especially when it comes to family caregiving. This has led the women workforce to thrive in their roles which were previously constrained for them due to the logistics industry’s demands for a having a physical presence at the workplace. Moreover, the pandemic has forced many companies to rethink leadership styles and diversity. As logistics continues to remain an essential service, many organizations have started recognizing the need for diverse perspectives to adapt to new challenges, including shifts in e-commerce, consumer behaviour, and technology adoption. This shift has also prompted a stronger focus on inclusive leadership.
How could parity be established and companies attract more women to the ecosystem? Amid this, what are the critical things to keep in mind as the changing technology landscape continues to affect the industry’s ability to attract talent?
Establishing gender parity and attracting more women to the logistics ecosystem requires a multifaceted approach that not only addresses the challenges women face in entering and advancing in the industry but also aligns with the evolving technological landscape. Companies should actively implement mentorship and sponsorship programs to nurture female talent at all levels, particularly in leadership roles. Female leaders can serve as role models and advocates for other women, helping to create an environment of support and inclusion. The industry can set benchmarks by promoting work-life balance and implement policies that support women’s ability to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. This is crucial in attracting and retaining female talent, particularly as many women are often the primary caregivers at home.
What is the most valuable advice you’ve received, and how has it guided your career?
There is no job in logistics that women cannot do — whether it’s our female pilots in aviation or our frontline couriers. When a crisis hits, women, including myself, have always been welcomed to step up and handle peak operations on the shop floor. This has included tasks ranging from unbagging shipments to loading our fleet. This experience speaks volumes about the inclusive and equal culture within our team. It shows, both in words and actions, that we are all equally invested in ensuring the organization runs seamlessly. This commitment to inclusivity empowers everyone to contribute their best, regardless of gender.
Reflecting on your career and journey, is there anything you would have approached differently with the knowledge and perspective you have today?
Looking back, I would have invested two years into supply chain management right at the beginning of my career. At that time, there was a prevalent myth that logistics offered limited opportunities for women, as it was considered a male-dominated industry. With the knowledge and perspective that I hold today, I realize that the industry offers immense potential for growth and success for everyone, regardless of gender.
If you could have one superpower to enhance your role in logistics or supply chains, what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to instantly transport essential goods, especially during times of crisis, while ensuring a more fragmented and sustainable logistics ecosystem. This superpower would allow me to deliver critical items directly to underserved regions with minimal environmental impact, aligning with Blue Dart’s focus on reducing carbon footprints and optimizing efficiency. In addition, my aspiration is to serve on the board of companies as an independent director. To pursue this goal, I have obtained a certification from the Institute of Directors (IOD) and I would love to bring my expertise to a company in the logistics industry, where I can make a meaningful impact at a strategic level.
How do you balance the demands of a high-profile career with personal commitments? Do you have any advice for managing work-life integration?
I have been blessed to have a supportive family that has been with me through my growth phase and continues to be today. Their support has been crucial in balancing my career and personal life. Self-discipline has also been essential to manage this balance. At Blue Dart, there are times when extended working hours or exceptions are required, especially during peak times or holidays, as the nature of our business involves fulfilling delivery promises and, in a way, connecting people and improving lives. However, despite these demands, I make it a priority to carve out time for myself, whether it’s spending quality time with family or hitting the gym to recharge. A balanced work-life integration is key to long-term success, and I always ensure I set aside time for both my professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the supply chain industry, and what changes would you like to see in the next five years?
The role of women in the supply chain industry has started to evolve significantly, and I believe this progress will continue to accelerate in the next five years. Historically, supply chain and logistics have been seen as male-dominated fields, but today, women are proving that they can thrive and lead in all aspects of the industry — from leadership roles to frontline operations. I would love to see even more women taking on key leadership positions, not just in traditional areas like operations but also in strategic and decision-making roles. The industry needs to become more inclusive, and I would like to see more organizations invest in supporting women through mentorship programs, equal opportunities, and leadership development initiatives.
Blue Dart is always ahead of the curve and is embracing diversity in all forms — gender, ethnicity, and background — will create a stronger, more innovative supply chain industry. In the next five years, I hope to see a significant shift towards more inclusive hiring practices and greater representation of women at every level of the supply chain.
How do you mentor or inspire the next generation of women in supply chain roles, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Mentoring the next generation of women in supply chain roles is something I am deeply passionate about. I make it a point to provide guidance, share my experiences, and encourage young women to pursue their career goals, no matter the challenges they may face. One of the most important lessons I try to impart is the importance of believing in oneself, embracing opportunities for growth, and pushing past societal or self-imposed limitations.
I also actively seek to create a supportive network where women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and build confidence in their abilities. Whether it’s through formal mentorship programs or casual conversations, I aim to foster an environment where women feel empowered to lead, innovate, and excel.
The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of empowerment and inclusivity. I want to be remembered as someone who not only succeeded in the industry but also helped pave the way for others, particularly women, to thrive in supply chain roles. By creating a lasting impact through mentorship and leadership, I hope to inspire the next generation to dream big and believe they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.