Each year, on 8 March, communities around the globe observe International Women’s Day, a day designated to celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to social, economic, cultural, and political developments, while also championing the cause of gender equality. This year, International Women’s Day unfolds under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” a compelling call to the international community to allocate essential funding to bridge the gender gap, bolster women’s rights, and foster more inclusive societies. And it’s not just women who benefit. Research shows that closing gender gaps could boost GDP per capita by close to 20 per cent.

This year's 2024 theme resonates profoundly in Saudi Arabia, a nation undergoing extensive transformation in line with Vision 2030. This ambitious blueprint for economic and social reform seeks to cultivate a vibrant society and prosperous economy, safeguarding the wellbeing of current and future generations. In support of this Vision, Saudi Arabia has committed to empowering women as part of a new era of inclusivity. Indeed, women are not just pivotal but central to the realization of this vision.

As part of this endeavor, Saudi Arabia is targeting 30% female participation in the workforce by 2030, a figure which stood at 15% as per 2018. The increased participation of women in the workforce is projected to add some $39 billion to the country’s economy, according to S&P Global Ratings.

With a population of some 37.5 million, 43% of which comprises women, this means the creation of a significant number of new employment opportunities. As a result, traditionally male dominated sectors are seeing a growing number of female employees. From government jobs through to cybersecurity and logistics, women are climbing the ranks of industries in which they have been traditionally underrepresented.

These advancements are not merely symbolic; they are the result of practical measures to empower women to become active contributors to the workforce and are essential to the Kingdom's vision of a thriving, dynamic society. One sector demonstrating this progress is logistics, an industry which is a cornerstone of global trade and commerce. The growing number of women being employed in vital and diverse roles brings with it a wealth of benefits, among them improved levels of innovation, efficiency, and a balanced approach to the challenges of a dynamic economic landscape.

But how does a traditionally male oriented industry attract more female talent?

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https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2023/09/22/expanding-female-workforce-could-boost-saudi-arabias-economy-by-39bn-sp-says/#:~:text=Nearly%2032%20per%20cent%20of,regional%20peers%2C%20the%20report%20said/

AJEX Logistics Services provides a compelling blueprint. Launched in 2021 to bolster Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global logistics hub, AJEX is nurturing young female graduates' entry into the sector. In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and through initiatives like the Saudi Logistics Academy (SLA) program, AJEX is equipping women with the necessary skills to excel in logistics. Furthermore, AJEX's internal Future Leader Program is a testament to its commitment to developing women leaders within the industry, providing a robust four-year development pathway from frontline roles to senior management. Today, these women are employed in vital roles across the sector, helping to propel the industry forward.

Take for example Atheer Almisfer, Customer Care Manager at AJEX. Atheer Almisfer's journey into the logistics sector was sparked by a fascination with the fast-paced evolution of global trade, combined with her passion for connecting with people and building strong relationships. Her role requires her to refine client experiences continually and manage customer disputes efficiently. She does so by applying the ‘7 Cs of Logistics’ – Connect, Create, Customize, Coordinate, Consolidate, Collaborate, and Contribute – to elevate the customer experience to new heights.

Having adopted this approach, Atheer has been trailblazing in her role, cultivating and sustaining relationships with important stakeholders, streamlining customer service processes, and overall raising customer satisfaction levels. Based on her expertise and knowledge, she has developed a training curriculum, supporting the development of her colleagues’ skills, as well as implementing a survey to track and monitor progress to ensure customer satisfaction.

Speaking on her role in the Saudi logistics industry, Atheer commented, “To stay ahead, we must innovate and constantly refine our logistics processes to meet each client's unique needs. In this regard, women can play a vital role in support of the growth and development of Saudi Arabia's logistics industry, bringing invaluable perspectives, skills, and leadership to the table that benefit the end-user”.

For Arwa Alhejji, Business Finance and Credit Controller at AJEX, her initial role in customer service provided a panoramic view of the logistics industry, fostering a deep understanding of how financial strategy is integral to the flow of goods and services.

“Starting my career in customer service at AJEX was more than just a job; it was the foundation of my journey in the logistics industry. From handling shipping and distribution to mastering quick deliveries, every challenge became an opportunity to learn and adapt. Facing challenges taught me the value of resilience and the importance of finding solutions fast. AJEX provided me with the platform to develop a comprehensive understanding of logistics intricacies, empowering me to confidently navigate through any obstacles that come my way,” she said.

Her commitment to financial excellence at AJEX is not just about numbers—it's about shaping the economic narratives that enable businesses and economies to thrive. “In logistics, you’re part of a bigger story,” she adds, underscoring the vast opportunities the sector holds for those who dare to delve into its depths. She encourages women considering a logistics career to dive in, emphasizing the industry's diverse opportunities and openness to analytical minds and aspiring leaders alike.

HR Operations Manager, Amjaad Mohammed, meanwhile, was inspired to enter logistics “to be part of something transformative—not just for businesses, but for society,” she shares. Her work at AJEX goes beyond the traditional HR role; it's about nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive culture that empowers all employees to contribute their best. “In my HR role at AJEX, one of my proudest accomplishments is spearheading a diversity and inclusion initiative that has transformed our workforce. Through inclusive policies and career development programs, we have achieved remarkable progress in gender representation, attracting and retaining talented women across all levels of the organization. Today, 21% of AJEX employees are women, including two of our Chief Officers, a rate well above the industry-standard,” she says.

Moreover, by keeping abreast of logistics trends, Amjaad ensures that AJEX's workforce is not only prepared for the challenges of today but also equipped for the opportunities of tomorrow. “In logistics, the ability to think analytically, solve problems, and adapt quickly is crucial,” she explains.

In terms of advice to other women looking to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as logistics she says, “Embrace your strengths, forge meaningful networks for support, and have unwavering belief in your capabilities. Seek out mentors, challenge stereotypes, and passionately advocate for inclusivity. These actions are key to not just surviving but thriving in this dynamic sector”.

In terms of advice to other women looking to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as logistics she says, “Embrace your strengths, forge meaningful networks for support, and have unwavering belief in your capabilities. Seek out mentors, challenge stereotypes, and passionately advocate for inclusivity. These actions are key to not just surviving but thriving in this dynamic sector”.