Maria Helena de Felipe Lehtonen, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Foment del Treball Nacional, Chair of its External Relations Committee, and President of AFAEMME, took part today in the round table «Talent, Innovation & Digitalization» at Medalogistics 2026, the leading exhibition for logistics, transport, intralogistics and supply chain in Southern Europe, held within the framework of SIL Barcelona at Fira de Barcelona
A strategic debate at the heart of the Mediterranean
Now in its 22nd edition, Medalogistics 2026 was organised by ASCAME, SIL Barcelona and the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, bringing together leading players in Mediterranean logistics to discuss the sector’s most pressing challenges. The round table on talent, innovation and digitalisation provided the setting for a debate on how the industry can build a more competitive, inclusive and future-ready ecosystem.
A clear message: no digital transformation without gender equality
In her address, De Felipe Lehtonen put forward a central argument: Mediterranean logistics cannot become fully digital, sustainable or competitive without the full incorporation of female talent. According to European Commission figures, women account for only around 22% of employment in the transport sector across the EU — meaning nearly eight out of ten professionals are still men. In Spain, women in middle and senior management in the logistics industry represent less than 10% of those roles.
«The question is not whether talent is scarce,» she argued, «but whether we are wasting a vast share of the talent that already exists.» She pointed to recent progress — a 22.5% increase in female executives in transport, distribution and supply companies in Spain over the past year — while stressing that these advances must not create a false sense that the problem has been resolved.
Digitalisation as opportunity — and as risk
De Felipe Lehtonen highlighted digitalisation as a potential turning point for gender equality in the sector, but also as a risk if approached without a deliberate inclusive strategy. Reskilling and digital training programmes, she argued, must incorporate a gender perspective — ensuring women have real access to new professional profiles, certifications and promotion opportunities in logistics technology, data analysis, platform management, sustainability and international trade.
She also underscored the importance of role models. «What is not seen is often not chosen,» she said, calling for greater visibility of women leading logistics companies, managing supply chains, founding technology startups and occupying positions of sectoral representation.
A Mediterranean dimension
Broadening the perspective to the wider Euro-Mediterranean region, De Felipe Lehtonen drew attention to the situation on the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean. In Morocco, women lead only around 16% of active businesses. In Jordan, a World Bank-cited study found that 47% of women surveyed had turned down job opportunities due to issues related to public transport — availability, cost or safety. These realities, she argued, show that transport and logistics are not only economic activities but conditions for women’s participation in the economy.
She concluded with a reminder of the sector’s scale: in the EU, transport and storage employed 10.4 million people in 2022 and generated net revenues of €1.9 trillion. Any progress on gender equality and female leadership in this sector, she stressed, has a real and measurable economic impact.
«Mediterranean logistics will not be fully digital, sustainable or competitive if it is not also equal,» she stated in her closing remarks. «There is no real transformation if half the talent is left out. There is no complete innovation without diversity. And there is no competitive future for Mediterranean logistics without female leadership.»
About Medalogistics 2026
Now in its 22nd edition, Medalogistics is the leading exhibition for logistics, transport, intralogistics and supply chain in Southern Europe. Organised by ASCAME, SIL Barcelona and the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, it takes place from 3 to 5 June 2026 at Hall 8 of the Montjuïc Exhibition Centre, Fira de Barcelona.
María Helena de Felipe Lehtonen
Promoting the Internalization and finance in Small and Medium Companies & in business opportunities for Euro-Africa and Middle East Companies