Women in Relocations: Driving Change and Innovation at Spacelabs

The relocation and transport industry, historically dominated by men, is experiencing a transformative shift. Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, driving innovation, efficiency, and growth. At Spacelabs, we recognise the profound impact that our women make in our business and we are committed to promoting gender diversity.

Women currently make up about 22% of the workforce within the transport industry. Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability. This underscores the significant role women play in fostering a competitive and innovative business environment.

• In South Africa, women-owned business account for 21.9% of total businesses, of which women make up 29.0% of top management positions. [source: Public Investment Corporation]

• 20% of the transport/logistics workforce in South Africa is made up of women, reflecting global trends where women are underrepresented in this sector.​ [source: Freight News]​

• Though only a small fraction of leadership roles in transport and logistics are occupied by women globally, in South Africa, there is a growing trend of women taking on leadership roles.

• Women-owned businesses in South Africa contribute approximately R175 billion annually to our economy. [source: Freight News]​

• If we consider that transport/logistics contributes 8.6% to the national GDP and apply this to the R175 billion figure (assuming the contribution distribution is proportional across sectors), women-owned transport/logistics/relocation businesses might contribute approximately R15 billion to R18 billion annually. This is a rough estimate, illustrating their impact within this crucial sector.

Women in Relocations: Stories of Women at Spacelabs

Amanda, Administration assistant

Amanda joined Spacelabs two years ago as part of our Johannesburg administrative team. Her keen eye for detail and exceptional organisational skills have made her a cornerstone of our team. "Every move is unique, and I love the challenge of ensuring everything goes smoothly," says Amanda. Her dedication and expertise have not only streamlined our processes but also set new standards in customer satisfaction.

Kate, Marketing and systems manager

Kate has been at Spacelabs for just over a year and has since played a pivotal role in shaping our marketing strategies and streamlining our systems. Kate is responsible for overseeing all marketing initiatives, from digital campaigns to client engagement, while also ensuring our internal systems are efficient and up-to-date. "Marketing in relocations is about more than just promoting our services; it's about understanding our clients' needs and building lasting relationships," Kate explains.

Zoe, Key accounts manager

Zoe's journey at Spacelabs began over five years ago. As a relocation coordinator, and key accounts manager, Zoe is responsible for planning and executing complex relocations. "Logistics is all about problem-solving and innovation," she explains. Zoe's ability to anticipate challenges and find creative solutions has significantly enhanced our operational efficiency.

Caroline, Operations Manager

Caroline has been an integral part of Spacelabs for 6 years. As an operations manager she oversees all our projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. "Teamwork and communication are key to our success," Caroline emphasises. Under her leadership, Spacelabs has consistently delivered exceptional results, earning us a reputation for reliability and excellence.

As we celebrate National Women's month, we honour the achievements and contributions of women at Spacelabs and across our industry. This day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve gender equality. Together, we can drive change and build a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous future for logistics and transport. #WomenInMotion #Spacelabs