Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 8: A new study by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recommended key policy measures to improve gender diversity in India’s rapidly expanding logistics industry, which is projected to reach $380 billion by 2025.

The study, titled "Enabling Women's Participation in India's Logistics Sector," was released by DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the Indo-German Development Cooperation initiative, Climate Friendly Green Freight Transport in India (Green Freight Project).

Highlighting strategies to boost women's participation in the sector, the report examined the current workforce composition, identified challenges limiting female inclusion, and proposed solutions to foster gender diversity.

Bhatia emphasized the study’s relevance within the framework of the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and the broader vision of women-led development championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "As we work towards Viksit Bharat, women-led development will be a key driver of progress. Encouraging women’s participation in high-growth sectors like logistics is not just about equity—it’s an economic necessity," he stated.

Stressing the need for a mindset shift, Bhatia underscored the role of education in reshaping perceptions and empowering women in the workforce. "Women have the same capabilities as men; the challenge lies in ensuring that workplace infrastructure adapts to meet their specific needs," he added.

The study identified several systemic barriers, including gender disparities in education and skill training on the supply side and workplace culture and infrastructure limitations on the demand side. To address these challenges, it recommended a structured three-tiered approach involving interventions at the ecosystem, industry, and organizational levels to build a more inclusive and sustainable logistics sector.