GENDER INEQUALITY IN LOGISTICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM CENTRAL JAVA

Open Access
Article Info
Submitted: 2026-07-10
Published: 2026-07-15
Section: Articles
Language: EN

Introduction/Main Objectives: The logistics industry is a strategic sector experiencing rapid growth due to the expansion of global trade and modern supply chains. Despite its development, the industry remains dominated by a masculine work culture that may create gender inequality and hinder women's career advancement. This study aims to analyze the forms of gender inequality, the factors influencing women's challenges, and the implications of gender inequality on career development and the work environment within the logistics industry in Central Java.

Background Problems: This study addresses the question of how gender inequality manifests in the logistics industry, what factors contribute to women's challenges, and how such inequality affects their career development and work environment.

Novelty : While previous studies have examined gender inequality across various industries, limited research has specifically explored the forms, contributing factors, and organizational implications of gender inequality within Indonesia's logistics industry using an in-depth qualitative approach. This study provides empirical insights into women's experiences in the logistics sector in Central Java.

Research Methods: This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving female employees and management personnel from several logistics companies in Central Java. Data were analyzed using an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

Findings/Results: The findings indicate that gender inequality persists in the logistics industry through job segregation, limited promotion opportunities, gender stereotypes regarding women's capabilities, and low participation of women in organizational decision-making. These challenges are influenced by patriarchal cultural values, work systems requiring high mobility, and limited access to competency development and leadership opportunities.

Conclusion: Gender inequality remains a significant issue affecting women's career development, work motivation, and the quality of the work environment in the logistics industry. Creating a more inclusive organizational culture and ensuring equal career opportunities are essential to improving gender equality in the sector.

Implementation Potential: The findings provide practical implications for logistics companies and policymakers in developing gender-responsive human resource policies, strengthening leadership development programs for women, and promoting inclusive workplace practices to support sustainable organizational performance.

 

Keywords : gender inequality; logistics industry; career development; women workers; work environment
JEL Classification: J16; J24; M12; M54

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  1. Luluk Fauziah  Vocational School Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, Indonesia
  2. Mashudi Mashudi  Vocational School Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, Indonesia
  3. Anafil Windriya  Vocational School Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, Indonesia
  4. Nurul Imani Kurniawati  Vocational School Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, Indonesia
  5. Ilham Ardhiansyah  Vocational School Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, Indonesia