The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has cautioned that persistent gender inequality is threatening the strength and sustainability of global supply chains, even though women make up a large portion of the workforce.
In a new policy brief released on its website, the ILO revealed that women account for nearly 40 percent of all workers in global supply chains and over 80 percent in industries like garment manufacturing. However, despite their strong presence, women remain underpaid, underrepresented in senior or technical roles, and often restricted to low-paying positions due to systemic barriers and social stereotypes.
“The paradox is that women are highly present in supply chains but continue to face systemic disadvantages,” the ILO said. The organisation warned that these persistent inequalities not only harm women’s economic opportunities but also undermine overall productivity, resilience, and the long-term stability of global supply systems.
To tackle these issues, the ILO called for comprehensive and coordinated action to address the root causes of gender disparity. It recommended stronger safeguards against workplace harassment, improved health and safety measures, and greater access to education, skills development, and leadership training for women. The report also urged governments and employers to adopt policies that promote a fairer distribution of unpaid care work, which often limits women’s professional growth.
According to the ILO, piecemeal interventions are not sufficient. It urged policymakers, labour unions, and business leaders to collaborate in driving systemic change supported by gender-disaggregated data to design effective, evidence-based solutions.
“Achieving gender equality in supply chains is not a stand-alone objective,” the organisation concluded. “It is central to advancing decent work, sustainable development, and inclusive global growth.”
