Not just a celebration: Women’s Month calls for leadership action

As South Africa confronts disruption, skills gaps and persistent inequality across the sector, SHEVON KOTIAH writes that Women’s Month should challenge transport and logistics leaders to turn recognition into action.

As South Africa marks Women’s Month, we are reminded not only of the courage and sacrifices of the women who marched for equality in 1956, but also of the responsibility each generation carries to advance the progress they fought for. For those of us in transport, logistics and supply chain management, Women’s Month should be more than a moment of recognition; it should be a call to action.

An industry at the heart of growth

Our industry sits at the heart of economic growth. Every product moved, every warehouse operation executed and every supply chain decision made contributes to South Africa’s competitiveness. Yet despite the critical role women play across these value chains, representation in leadership, technical and operational roles remains far below where it should be.

At the same time, our industry faces unprecedented disruption. Infrastructure constraints, port inefficiencies, supply chain volatility, skills shortages and rapid technological advancement have reshaped the transport and logistics landscape. In this environment, resilience has become one of the most important leadership capabilities of our time.

Resilience, however, is not simply about surviving disruption. It’s about responding to uncertainty with courage, adaptability and vision – about transforming challenges into opportunities and ensuring that organisations remain competitive, even when conditions are difficult.

Who will lead the transformation?

The question before us is simple: who will lead this transformation? The answer must include more women. South Africa cannot afford to leave leadership potential on the sidelines when the sector is under pressure to innovate, grow and deliver greater efficiency. Women account for a significant part of the industry’s workforce, yet remain underrepresented in executive leadership, transport operations, engineering, freight management and entrepreneurship.

This doesn’t just concern diversity, but also business. Research consistently shows organisations benefit from diverse perspectives in decision-making. Diverse leadership teams are often better equipped to solve complex problems, challenge conventional thinking and respond to changing market demands. In a sector as dynamic as transport and logistics, these capabilities are invaluable.

Are we creating opportunities?

Women’s Month provides an opportunity to ask ourselves whether we are creating the conditions for women to succeed. Are we investing enough in professional development? Are we creating pathways into technical and operational careers? Are we supporting women-owned businesses within transport and logistics? Are we developing the next generation of industry leaders through mentorship and sponsorship? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then there is work to be done.

Developing the next generation

Leadership development must become a strategic priority. Access to accredited education, internationally recognised professional designations and continuous professional development opportunities can significantly improve career mobility and help close critical skills gaps within the sector.

Equally important is the power of mentorship. Throughout my career, I have witnessed how a single mentor can expand horizons, open doors and provide the confidence needed to pursue leadership opportunities. Professional relationships matter. They accelerate growth, transfer knowledge and help emerging professionals navigate complex career journeys.

A platform for difficult conversations

This is one of the reasons why the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa’s (CILTSA’s) Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference, WECON 2026, is important.

Taking place on 18 September under the theme “Resilience Reimagined: Leading Through Disruption”, the conference aims to create a platform where women and allies can exchange ideas, share experiences and develop practical solutions for the future of the industry. More importantly, it seeks to shift the conversation beyond representation towards leadership impact.

People will define the future

The future of transport and logistics will not be defined solely by infrastructure investment, technology adoption or policy reform. It will be defined by people – by leaders who are prepared to embrace change, challenge outdated thinking and create opportunities where others see obstacles. That is what resilience looks like.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on meaningful action. Let us invest in women not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the smart thing to do for the future of our industry and our economy.

The transport and logistics sector needs stronger leadership pipelines, greater innovation and more diverse perspectives. Women have a critical role to play in delivering all three.

From participation to leadership

The women who marched in 1956 demonstrated what is possible when courage meets conviction. Seventy years later, the challenge before us is different, but the principle remains the same: progress requires leadership.

This Women’s Month, let’s commit to building an industry in which resilience is not only celebrated, but cultivated – an industry where women are not merely participants in the future of transport and logistics, but architects of it. Ultimately, when women lead, industries become stronger… and when industries become stronger, South Africa moves forward.