CILTSA’s upcoming women's empowerment conference aims to accelerate female leadership in South Africa's logistics sector
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) has been at the forefront of addressing gender disparities within the logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors, notably through its Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference. The upcoming event, scheduled for 26 September 2025 in Johannesburg, will build on the momentum established by its successful second conference held on 25 October 2024. This initiative strives to challenge the entrenched gender gap in industries where women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles.
In South Africa, women constitute only about 28% of the logistics and transport workforce, substantially lower than the international supply chain average of approximately 41%. This disparity translates into fewer opportunities for career growth and leadership attainment for women within the sector. The conference, themed ‘Fuel Her Rise: Leadership in Motion’, aims to inspire women to pursue leadership positions and build confidence, foster networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing essential for professional advancement.
Key conference sessions will tackle critical issues such as overcoming imposter syndrome—a common psychological barrier experienced by many women in male-dominated fields—and navigating the challenges presented by the gender gap. Topics including accelerating women in leadership roles specifically within the South African transport sector and exploring innovative tools and technologies that support women’s career progression will also feature prominently. A particularly noteworthy component of the conference is the Imbokodo Hub, which spotlights women-owned and operated SMEs, thereby reinforcing the role of entrepreneurship in empowering women in the industry.
Industry support has been robust, with backing from influential companies such as Air France, CMA CGM, Isuzu, JC Auditors, K3 Brokers, CVLC Communication, and MasterDrive, all of which participated in the recent 2024 event held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre. Their involvement not only lends credibility but also exemplifies a growing commitment within the sector to promote diversity and inclusion.
Reports on gender representation in leadership reflect persistent challenges. Globally, women occupy only about 23% of Vice President-level roles in supply chain professions despite making up a greater proportion of the overall workforce, as highlighted in a Gartner report. This gap is more pronounced in South Africa where women’s representation in logistics and transport remains comparatively low. CILTSA’s conferences and initiatives are vital platforms for addressing these disparities by equipping women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence necessary to break through structural barriers.
The Institute itself serves as a leading professional body that supports the full spectrum of supply chain, logistics, and transport professionals. It promotes the development of competencies, safety standards, and sustainable practices critical to the economy’s functioning. Through targeted events like the Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference, CILTSA seeks to redefine sector norms, champion gender equity, and accelerate women’s progress in industries pivotal to economic growth and connectivity.
As the sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on cultivating female leadership remains a priority. Conferences such as these provide not just inspiration but actionable strategies for women to claim their space and ascend to higher leadership roles, potentially transforming the gender composition of these essential industries in South Africa and beyond.