In business, procurement has long operated behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in managing supply chains, vendor relationships, and cost efficiencies. Yet, despite its importance, the field has historically been shaped by a male-dominated culture, reflecting broader corporate structures. Today, as conversations surrounding gender equality grow louder, procurement is experiencing a wave of transformation, but has it truly shattered the glass ceiling, or are women still fighting an uphill battle?
The Changing Face of Procurement
The good news is that the gender dynamics within procurement are shifting, and there are signs of progress. Women are becoming more visible and influential in the field, with growing representation across various levels. Recent studies reveal that women now hold approximately 40% of officer roles in procurement, indicating an encouraging move toward inclusivity. However, as positions become more senior, representation begins to decline.
This uneven distribution of women in leadership positions is not unique to procurement, it mirrors trends seen across many industries. The lack of female representation at the top shows that, while strides have been made, the road to gender parity remains lengthy and fraught with obstacles.
Barriers That Persist
Despite the gradual progress, challenges persist for women in procurement, as highlighted by the 2023 study conducted by Procurious, titled Against the Odds: An Inside Look at Being a Woman in Procurement. According to the report, 74% of women in the field have experienced some form of gender-based adversity. The challenges they face include being overshadowed in meetings, having their contributions overlooked or credited to male colleagues, and enduring pay disparities.
These barriers are compounded by the nature of procurement itself. The field requires strong negotiation skills, technical expertise, and the ability to make high-stakes decisions, qualities that, when exhibited by women, are often scrutinised through a gendered lens. Women report that assertiveness in negotiations can be misinterpreted as aggression, while decisions made by female leaders tend to be questioned more frequently than those made by their male counterparts.
Additionally, many women struggle with balancing professional demands and personal responsibilities, particularly in cultures where long work hours are standard. Procurement often involves extensive travel, late meetings with international suppliers, and crisis management when supply chains are disrupted. These demands can exacerbate gender inequalities, particularly in environments lacking supportive workplace policies such as flexible working or parental leave.
Gender-Responsive Procurement: A Step Forward
In recent years, gender-responsive procurement (GRP) has emerged as a potential solution to some of these issues. GRP involves incorporating gender considerations into procurement decisions to promote equality and empower women in supply chains. For example, organisations can prioritise contracts with women-owned businesses or assess whether suppliers uphold gender-equal hiring and workplace practices.
While GRP is a promising concept, its implementation has been uneven across industries. Some organisations, particularly those with strong commitments to corporate social responsibility, have embraced the approach wholeheartedly. Others, however, remain hesitant due to concerns about costs or the perceived complexity of incorporating gender metrics into procurement processes.
Role Models and Mentorship: Paving the Way
One of the most effective ways to encourage more women to advance in procurement is through role models and mentorship programmes. Women in senior roles can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer support to those navigating the challenges of the field. Mentorship helps bridge knowledge gaps and provides women with the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities.
Several initiatives and professional networks are already working to connect women in procurement and supply chain management. For example, organisations like Procurious and Women in Procurement & Supply Chain (WPSC) provide platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development.
However, mentorship alone cannot dismantle systemic barriers. Companies must also address structural issues, such as biases in hiring and promotion processes, and ensure that women have equal access to training, development, and leadership opportunities.
Why Gender Equality in Procurement Matters
Achieving gender equality in procurement is not merely a moral imperative; it also makes good business sense. Studies consistently show that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, particularly in complex, high-pressure environments. In procurement, diversity can lead to more innovative problem-solving, improved decision-making, and stronger supplier relationships.
Moreover, procurement professionals play a key role in driving sustainability and ethical practices within supply chains. Women often bring unique perspectives to these discussions, particularly when it comes to issues like supplier diversity and corporate social responsibility. By elevating women to leadership positions, companies can foster more inclusive and responsible procurement strategies.
A Long Road Ahead
While the field of procurement has made notable progress, the glass ceiling is far from fully shattered. Organisations must continue to implement policies that support gender equality, such as transparent promotion criteria, pay equity audits, and flexible working arrangements. Without these measures, the gains made over the past decade could stagnate or even reverse.
The findings of the Procurious study highlight the dual nature of the current landscape: progress is real, but so are the challenges. Women in procurement have demonstrated resilience and innovation, carving out spaces for themselves in an industry that has historically underrepresented them. However, the ultimate goal, a field where gender no longer dictates opportunities or outcomes, is still on the horizon.
Women have come a long way in procurement, but the journey is far from over. The glass ceiling may have cracks, but it remains intact. Breaking it will require not only the efforts of individual women but also systemic change within organisations and the broader business community. By fostering inclusive cultures, supporting gender-responsive procurement, and addressing the persistent barriers women face, the industry can move closer to true gender equality, and everyone stands to benefit from the outcome.
Sources:
Against the Odds: An Inside Look at Being a Woman in Procurement – Procurious
Gender-responsive procurement – UN Women
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