
By Marcela Quinteros, CCO International Line
When intersecting the themes of female entrepreneurship in science and technology with the world of international logistics and freight forwarders in Chile, a unique landscape of challenges and opportunities emerges.
In logistics, a sector traditionally dominated by men, female entrepreneurs face particular challenges when integrating scientific-technological innovations. The cultural challenge is even more pronounced in this field, where the perception of logistics as a male-dominated industry can be a significant obstacle. For women leading freight forwarding companies with a focus on technological innovation, changing this perception is crucial, not only for their individual success but also for the sector’s overall progress.
Access to funding and resources is an amplified challenge in a sector marked by strong male networks. Female entrepreneurs in this field must navigate an environment where connections and relationships are essential to securing capital and support. This can be especially challenging for businesses seeking to integrate innovative technologies into logistics, a field that inherently requires substantial investments.
Promoting female participation in STEM and its application in logistics and freight forwarding is essential. Encouraging women to venture into this field requires not only equipping them with the necessary technical skills but also fostering their ability to innovate and adapt in a constantly evolving industry.
In this context, strategies to increase female participation could include creating support networks specifically for women in logistics, mentorship programs connecting successful businesswomen with new entrepreneurs, and fostering a more inclusive and diverse culture within the sector.
Additionally, balancing work and personal life is particularly demanding in international logistics, where time constraints and the need to respond quickly to changing situations are constant challenges.