Empowering women in humanitarian logistics: a systematic review of roles, barriers and resilient pathways for inclusive crisis response

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed research to explore women’s roles in building resilience and responding to humanitarian crises through logistics operations. It also investigates the main obstacles against their involvement and leading and lists the gender-responsive measures suggested to improve women’s empowerment in humanitarian supply chain management. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 methodology. The analysis was based on 48 articles (n = 48) published in various crisis contexts (e.g. natural disasters, armed conflicts, pandemics and refugee crises). Thematic synthesis was used to structure the findings according to the three main research questions. Findings Women are critical in humanitarian logistics as leaders, logisticians, community responders and caregivers. However, socio-cultural norms, institutional discriminations, economic marginalisation and susceptibility to health-related issues limit their empowerment and leadership. Five major strategic themes are proposed for addressing these gaps: capacity development, strengthening of grassroots, policy-related reforms, health and well-being interventions and restoration of livelihoods. These lines of action correspond to operational, on one side, and policy, on the other, measures for an inclusive humanitarian response model. Research limitations/implications The reviewed literature reveals several limitations: geographic skewness, with an overrepresentation of studies from South Asia and underrepresentation from Latin America and East Africa; a prevalence of qualitative case studies over large-scale quantitative and mixed-methods research; and a lack of intersectional analyses, resulting in limited disaggregation of results by race, class, ability or age. Practical implications Findings can inform the creation of policies that explicitly promote gender equality within organisations involved in humanitarian logistics. Policymakers can use these insights to draft guidelines that ensure women are included in decision-making processes at all levels. Humanitarian organisations can reassess their resource allocation strategies to ensure that women have access to the necessary tools and resources to perform their roles effectively. This includes access to funding, technology and logistical support tailored to their needs. Social implications The literature review indicates a need for more inclusive research methodologies. By promoting the inclusion of diverse voices, especially from underrepresented regions, the study advocates for broader perspectives on women’s contributions in crises, potentially leading to more equitable practices. Addressing the lack of intersectional analyses, the study emphasises the importance of understanding how race, class, ability and age interact with gender in humanitarian contexts. This understanding could inform more tailored support mechanisms that address the unique challenges faced by different groups of women. Originality/value This paper broadens the scope of humanitarian logistics literature by focusing on gender as a fundamental framework for analysis. It offers a comprehensive, evidence-based, conceptual framework for researchers, practitioners and policymakers interested in mainstreaming gender equity and resilience-building in humanitarian logistics.