Why are women on the sidelines of India's $215 bn logistics boom

Despite powering a $215 billion industry, women make up just 7% of India’s logistics workforce. Can inclusive action change the equation?

- Rajarshi Chatterjee

India’s logistics sector, a cornerstone of the country’s economic engine, is poised for transformational growth. Valued at $215 billion, it contributes nearly 14% to India’s GDP and is projected to reach $380 billion by 2025. Yet, women remain on the periphery of this booming industry.

New research from The Udaiti Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) through the SheMoves Logistics report reveals that only 7% of the workforce in NSE-listed logistics companies comprises women. Even more telling, only 44% of these firms have at least one woman in a key management position (KMP). While these numbers mark a marginal improvement—just a one percentage point increase over four years—they remain stark reminders of how deeply gender gaps are entrenched in the sector.

The high cost of low inclusion

The report lays bare systemic barriers to women’s inclusion. Gender biases in hiring and promotions, exclusion from informal leadership networks, lack of safe infrastructure such as gender-segregated restrooms and limited childcare support remain persistent issues.

“The logistics sector is a vital engine of India’s economy, yet women make up just 7% of the workforce among NSE-listed firms,” said Pooja Goyal, Founding CEO, The Udaiti Foundation, in an official release. “This sector's growth offers a unique opportunity to integrate women at scale, and this report highlights systemic gaps and offers actionable strategies to achieve this,” she added.

The data also underscores a troubling rise in workplace safety concerns—POSH-related complaints increased by 37% between FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24. Only 22% of companies offer daycare benefits, a support mechanism known to significantly improve women's return-to-work rates.