Today is International Women’s Day, and this years theme, “Accelerate Action” is all about pushing boundaries and driving real, lasting change. It’s time to stop taking small steps and start making bold, powerful moves.

The logistics industry is a prime example of an industry that has traditionally been male dominated – but not at Vale Lane. Here, our female-led warehouse team proves every day that strength, skill and leadership have nothing to do with gender.

Nessa, our Warehouse Manager, leads the charge, while Kirsty, our long-standing Warehouse Supervisor, keeps operations running with precision and efficiency. Both started as volunteers and have grown into key full-time roles, helping to shape the future of Vale Lane.

We also have Tatiana and Meghan, the dynamic duo leading our FareChance employability programme. Together, they’re empowering young people, including young women, to build their skills, confidence, and open doors to amazing careers.

Last week, we caught up with Kirsty to hear her thoughts on International Women’s Day, working in a typically male-dominated industry, and what it means to push past stereotypes.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about women working in this industry of logistics?

“There’s this idea that women are too emotional for an industry that requires staying calm under pressure, but in my experience, we’re actually great at handling tough situations with sensitivity. That’s especially important in third-sector logistics, where about 90% of our workforce is made up of volunteers. You need a strong logistical mindset, but also the ability to manage people with patience and understanding, and I think women tend to be really good at that.”

As a female Warehouse Supervisor at FareShare South West, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

“Working at FareShare South West means being in a wider industry that’s still very male dominated. It is improving – you do see more female truck drivers and forklift operators, but the default assumption is still that most people in these roles are men.

Women in logistics often have to work harder to prove they know what they’re doing. But at the end of the day, we’re great at what we do. Our ability isn’t defined by gender.”

How do you see the role of women evolving in this industry?

“Change is happening, with more women stepping into roles across warehouse and logistics. But there’s still this perception that a woman wouldn’t naturally see herself in this kind of job. That’s why I love that we run an employability scheme (FareChance) at the site where I work – it’s such a great opportunity to be a role model, especially for young women. Seeing someone like them in this role can make a huge difference, showing them that this career path is absolutely possible for them.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

“International Women’s Day, to me, is a day to celebrate everything women contribute across all professions and industries. But it’s especially meaningful in fields where it’s still surprising to see women doing roles traditionally seen as “men’s jobs.” It’s about recognising and honouring those women who are breaking barriers and showing that we belong everywhere.” 

The UK is making progress is bringing more women into logistics, but the reality is that women still make up only around 19% of the workforce. That needs to change.

At FareShare South West, we’re proud to be leading the way. Not just by breaking barriers but also ensuring that staff are paid at least the Real Living Wage and that equal pay is given, no matter your gender. We believe that building a more inclusive team isn’t just the right thing to do – it makes us stronger and better at what we do.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re reminded that real change isn’t just about stats. It’s about making sure women have the space to thrive, lead, and be paid fairly. We’re proud to support women across all parts of our work, from operations to leadership, and we’re committed to breaking down barriers every day.

For more information about our impactful work, visit faresharesouthwest.org.uk.