Mahindra Logistics Ltd., one of India’s largest integrated logistics solutions providers, in collaboration with the Institute of Supply Chain Management hosted a thought-provoking discussion on ‘Women in Logistics and Supply Chain.’ The event took place at ‘The Orchid Hotel’ in Mumbai. The primary objective of this event was to drive attention to creating an equal opportunity in supply chain while promoting gender diversity.
The dialogue facilitated an insightful exchange of ideas, challenges, and solutions amongst leaders in the supply chain and logistics sector. The panel discussions featured prominent industry experts who are at the forefront of driving positive change. Some of the esteemed panellists included Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Logistics Ltd, Dr. Rakesh Singh, Chairman, Institute of Supply Chain Management, Sanjiv Navangul, MD & CEO, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, Florence Petit, Country Head – Supply Chain Management, Legrand India, Rajshree Bazaari, Strategy Director-Supply Chain & Lead-Samadhan Next HUL, Ekta Vadehra, Director, DB Schenker, Niharika Jalan, Founder and CGO, Indicold, Kiran Sarkar, Head Sustainability, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hima Parvataneni, CEO & Director, Navata Supply Chain Solutions, and Tannistha Ganguly, Global Head WMS, Kimberly Clark.
Mansi Nagri, Head – Marketing & Communications, Mahindra Logistics, said, “Today, we witness women in executive positions, owning their place as Board of Directors. With endeavours focused on attracting women to pursue careers in supply chain management, fostering an inclusive environment as well as creating equitable workspaces, it is important that we provide them with growth opportunities for their continuous, overall development. In addition to de-genderization of job roles and relooking at hiring policies, providing women with leadership roles based on their talent and expertise will not only empower them but also allow them to lead from the front”.
Dr. Rakesh Singh, Chairman, ISCM, said, “It is said that companies with greater participation of women in management tend to fare better. This strengthens the business case for women in supply chains and logistics too. However many companies are uncertain how best to build an organization that integrates women across the supply chain and logistics domain. This dialog is an attempt to bring together leaders from across India Inc. to challenge gender stereotypes and chart a way forward – equitable and inclusive.”
A robust training program and inclusive company policies in tandem with the evolving industry, offer leadership opportunities to women helping them advance their professional growth multifold. Achieving gender neutrality, Mahindra Logistics has launched various initiatives and policies to empower women in the supply chain industry. “Udaan” – an innovative initiative provides a pathway for women to embark on second careers. Through this program, Mahindra Logistics has hired a total of 14 women across positions in the last year. Another comprehensive policy – “Birth & Beyond”, fosters a supportive work environment for female employees throughout their maternity journey.
Mahindra Logistics is committed to create and leverage the strengths of a diverse talent pool. Given the complexities in operations, it taken several other initiatives to make the workplace attractive for millennials by providing equal opportunity to women. These action-oriented initiatives have ranged from gender sensitization, fast tracked career opportunities for the development of hi-potential women, and focused policies to promote succession and retain women employees.
