As we approach the 2022 Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards and this year’s fantastic finalists are announced, we are reminded of the critical role that the transport and logistics industry play for us all, ensuring that businesses can function efficiently and effectively. Over the past few years, we have witnessed how the industry has been simultaneously subjected to unprecedented demand in some areas and to an overnight drought in others, while also having to adapt to social distancing, safeguarding, and preserving public health.
Now in their 15th year, the awards celebrate the vital contribution women make to transport and logistics; showcasing progression, accomplishments and increasing avenues of opportunity in what is still very much a male-dominated industry with just 20% of the workforce being female. It is their passion, dedication, skill, and leadership that has shone through in these particularly challenging times, and we are very proud to be celebrating those efforts at this year’s Awards ceremony.
The 2022 Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards are not only about celebrating women succeeding, but also about creating role models to attract the next generation of female talent and shine a light on the fulfilling careers that are to be had in this evolving and thriving sector. In a survey of everywoman members, 99% agreed that role models are a source of inspiration and 36% cited it as having given them the confidence to make decisions they otherwise would not have taken. As the leading network for the advancement of women in business, we truly believe that you can’t be what you can’t see and we have witnessed the powerful and positive change role models have in business.
British Trucking reported that although Transport management is certainly male-dominated, women are starting to catch up with 23% of transport management roles within the trucking sector being taken by women. Pressure on the industry, and particularly the HGV driver shortage we saw towards the end of 2021, has seen an increase in women entering the industry for the first time, with the number of female delivery drivers increasing as much as 104% last year. However, there is much more to be done.
We created the platform 15 years ago to visibly applaud the successes of women in transport and logistics and encourage young women to consider working in the industry – thus creating a robust pipeline of future talent from entry level to boardroom. We know the immense impact the everywoman awards programme has on our finalists and winners. In a 2020 poll of past winners, 76% agreed that their award had positively impacted their career and 63% said it had improved their personal and professional confidence. When you couple these attributes with the opportunity to access leadership and development training you can go a long way in removing perceived barriers and creating a growth mindset. everywoman is very proud to partner with many organisations, including FedEx, Royal Mail and TJX, on their ongoing commitment to ensure that every woman in their organisation can realise her career potential in the transport and logistics industry.
We look forward to congratulating the finalists and winners on the 30th June 2022 at the Amazon everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards ceremony in London, a spectacular networking event for over 350 men and women from across the industry, all coming to celebrate the women keeping the country moving.
For more information and to book your table at the ceremony visit: everywomanforum.com
We speak to four of the judges below.
Julie A. Blauch – FedEx Express Managing Director Road Network Operations
Why are the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards important?
It is important to shine a light on exceptional women in the industry and celebrate their achievements. These awards give us an opportunity to showcase their hard work and leadership.
What qualities are you looking for in the nominees?
All the nominees are doing an outstanding job of delivering high impact business results. However, the women that stand out are also championing the growth and development of other women too.
What can be done to encourage more women to enter the logistics industry?
Companies need to offer support and empower women to achieve their full potential. Employers also need to promote a safe environment for everyone that leaves no room for harassment or discrimination.
What would you say to employers to encourage them to recruit more women?
Companies with a highly diverse workforce have higher rates of return and are more productive. It just makes good business sense to prioritize diversity, it gives you a competitive edge.
What is your message to all the awards nominees?
You are all fantastic role models to others within your companies and local communities. Leading by example, you show the valuable contributions that women can make in a critical industry.
Kate Jennings – Railway Industry Association Policy Director
Why are the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards important?
Transport and rail have some of the most exciting jobs of any industry. Transport is critical for everyone everyday and central to the zero carbon agenda. The industry is global and local – with opportunities all over the country and the World. And yet it suffers from a low profile – and diversity in the industry is not as good as it can be. We need to celebrate best practice and the amazing role models in the industry to drive innovation and positive change – the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards are a great way to do this.
What qualities are you looking for in the nominees?
I am looking for great role models – who are brave and creative, making a positive difference to the industry and for their colleagues around them everyday.
What can be done to encourage more women to enter the logistics industry?
Continue to celebrate current role models and ensure an inclusive culture. That is why we are leading the Women in Rail/Railway Industry Association EDI Charter.
What would you say to employers to encourage them to recruit more women?
Women make up 50% of the talent and diversity and inclusion drives innovation, productivity and success – why wouldn’t you employ more women?
What is your message to all the awards nominees?
Congratulations on getting this far – keep sharing and supporting positive change in our industry.
Dan Richards – With Wise Ltd Chief Commercial Officer
Why are the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards important?
The awards are an important event in the logistics calendar, and they make sure we recognise the exceptional women that work in the industry.
What qualities are you looking for in the nominees?
I’m judging the tech innovator award, so innovation goes without saying; outside of that, personal values and perseverance are significant factors for me.
What can be done to encourage more women to enter the logistics industry?
Creating paths at an education level is a great first step, offering work experience opportunities to show young women that logistics is an excellent industry with great people.
What would you say to employers to encourage them to recruit more women?
We have a very diverse workforce at Wise; different perspectives always help, especially when solving business problems.
What is your message to all the awards nominees?
I was so impressed with the nominees; put it this way, the winner will be the best of a fantastic bunch.
Alice Boaten – Marks & Spencer Regional Manager, North West London
Why are the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards important?
Once again it’s an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the amazing women we have in this industry and hopefully it helps to inspire more women into this field.
What qualities are you looking for in the nominees?
I look for lived experiences that have driven action and that others have equally benefited from as a result. Someone dynamic and not afraid to be the initial “lone dancer”.
What can be done to encourage more women to enter the logistics industry?
The more we can celebrate and highlight the wonderful work that is done the better.
What would you say to employers to encourage them to recruit more women?
Don’t only look for the obvious, trust in the potential that is equally shown and invest in that person.
What is your message to all the awards nominees?
You are all doing amazing things and more importantly paving the way for many to follow you, never underestimate or under value the difference you are making.
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