Procurement can be a challenging field, especially for women who may encounter unique obstacles in a traditionally male-dominated industry. However, with the right strategies and mindset, women can thrive in procurement roles and overcome any hurdles they may face. 

In this article, we will be looking at the challenges faced by women in procurement and practical tips and advice to navigate these challenges effectively.

 

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Women in Procurement

The challenges women face in procurement can be subtle or overt, impacting their career progression and overall experience. Let’s delve deeper into some of these hurdles:

1] Unconscious Bias: Procurement has a history of being a male-dominated field. This can lead to unconscious bias in various aspects such as Negotiations, Promotions and building rapport. 

2] Lack of Mentorship: Mentorship plays a vital role in career development. Finding senior women in procurement to act as mentors can be difficult, limiting access to guidance and role models who understand the specific challenges women face. This can hinder access to career advice, sponsorship for promotions, and navigating office politics.

3] Work-Life Balance: Procurement can involve demanding schedules, travel, and tight deadlines. This can make it difficult to achieve work-life balance, especially for women who often shoulder a larger share of childcare and household responsibilities.

4] Assertiveness and Confidence: Negotiation, supplier management, and advocating for best practices require assertiveness and confidence. Women might be perceived as less assertive than their male counterparts, even if they possess the same level of knowledge and expertise. This can make it harder to gain respect at the table and secure the best deals for their organization.

5] Networking Opportunities: Industry conferences and networking events can be male-dominated environments. This makes it more challenging for women to build connections with key decision-makers and potential mentors in the procurement field. Additionally, these events might not cater to the specific needs and interests of women in procurement.

 

Tips for overcoming these challenges 

Despite these challenges, there are strategies women can employ to build successful procurement careers

1] Educate yourself 

Educating yourself is the cornerstone of overcoming challenges in procurement as a woman. It’s about staying informed, continuously learning, and seeking insights from various sources. Firstly, staying informed involves keeping up with industry trends, best practices, and regulations. This means subscribing to industry publications, joining online forums, and attending relevant events to stay updated on the latest developments. Continuous learning is equally important. This entails investing in professional development opportunities such as training courses, workshops, and certification programs. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer courses tailored to procurement professionals, covering topics from negotiation techniques to supply chain management. 

2] Build strong relationships 

Building strong relationships is essential for navigating hurdles in procurement as a woman. It’s about cultivating trust, rapport, and support from colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders. Cultivate relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders. Building trust and rapport can help you navigate challenges more effectively and garner support when needed. Seek out mentors, both within and outside your organization, who can provide guidance and advice based on their experience in procurement.

3] Assertiveness and Confidence

Be assertive in expressing your ideas and opinions, and don’t hesitate to voice concerns or ask questions. Confidence in your abilities and decisions will command respect and influence others. Practice effective communication skills, including active listening and articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

4] Embrace Challenges

View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Adopting a positive mindset will enable you to approach difficulties with resilience and determination. Be proactive in seeking solutions to problems, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box or propose innovative approaches.

5] Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from your colleagues or supervisors when facing challenges. Collaboration and teamwork can often lead to creative solutions and better outcomes. Join professional networks or online communities specifically for women in procurement. These forums provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and offering encouragement.

6] Balance Work and Personal Life

Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. Set boundaries and allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks or ask for help when feeling overwhelmed. Recognize that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.

7] Advocate for Equality

Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within your organization and industry. Advocate for equal opportunities for women in procurement roles and challenge any biases or stereotypes. Mentor and support other women aspiring to pursue careers in procurement, and actively promote their achievements and contributions.

 

Remember:

  • You belong in procurement.
  • Your skills and contributions are valuable.
  • By developing your expertise, building your network, and advocating for yourself, you can achieve success and pave the way for future generations of women in procurement.