Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women in Logistics and the Path Ahead

Every March, we observe International Women's Day. But it's the efforts of the entire year - one action at a time - that are important to the advancement of women in logistics and the world.

?A woman can earn a degree, get inspired by a podcast, and be told she's amazing at what she does, but if she doesn't have the resources to actually implement what she's been empowered to do, then what's the point? Empowering women is one thing. And providing them with opportunities is another. SAL does both.

Sara Algeaiti, Senior Director, Human Capital Strategy, says, Today, I choose to celebrate women's resilience, determination, and growth in logistics. Saudi women now contribute an incredible 84% to transportation and logistics, showcasing the power of progress. To the extraordinary Saudi women shaping our nation's future—you are our pride and inspiration. I also draw strength from my colleagues at SAL, whose dedication makes the impossible possible."

Saudi sheds light on women's empowerment through Vision 2030 by being an integral source in empowering and activating women's empowerment. Based on three themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation, Vision 2030 is founded on a strong foundation that provides opportunities for all Saudis, particularly women, and encourages new actions from different sectors.

One of those sectors is the logistics and supply chain industry - historically perceived as male-dominated. In fact, the first female to join SAL was in 2019. But now, women are reshaping the industry and inspiring the next generation of logistics leaders. "I take great pride in being part of this empowerment, especially in the logistics sector. We're witnessing tremendous changes in the country. While some days could be difficult, the journey is worth it to be part of history in the making," states Simona Simeonova, Senior Director, Business Development.

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The Role of Women in Logistics

Today at SAL, Ground Handling comprises 19% women, 17.8% in Logistics Solutions, and 24.7% in Support. It's a business imperative that brings fresh perspectives and creativity to problem-solving. "Our impact goes beyond industry development—we are strengthening Saudi Arabia's position in the global economy and enhancing its role in international trade," states Ghada Almejhed, Manager Key Accounts. "On this Women's Day, I celebrate every woman's resilience, ambition, and dedication to shaping the future of logistics."

SAL commits to fostering a workplace that encourages women's participation and creates possibilities for them to excel, such as by implementing customized training programs. In 2024, SAL gathered females from around the Kingdom for a Women's Empowerment Program offering collective skills training to equip future female leaders in navigating challenges and contributing more assertively to the workplace.

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The Future In Motion

Representation matters. And it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that women are represented at every level of an organization. As policies continue to be revamped, we see prioritization of equal chance for all candidates. When young girls see women succeeding in logistics, they're more likely to consider careers in supply chain management. “Women are pioneers, shaping the future of the logistics industry with vision and leadership. At SAL, we see firsthand how women drive innovation and progress every day. In my role, navigating legal matters goes beyond managing documents—it’s about enabling strategic decisions that fuel economic growth." Fatmah Aburokba, Manager, Contracts Legal Department, explains.

While SAL actively supports women through leadership training, career development programs, and mentorship initiatives, the women use their skills and confidence to contribute to economic growth and prompt improvements in future policies and programs.

Recognizing the expertise and innovation they bring to logistics, we honor Women's Day and the trailblazers who forge the path to success. From managing global supply chains and optimizing operations to spearheading digital change, there's transformative potential in SAL's effective activation of women empowerment. We'll see a ripple effect, leading to the success of Vision 2030 themes for a society that benefits everyone.

?Investing in women today creates a more dynamic industry for the future.

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