Potential Drivers of Gender Equity in Maritime Logistics: A Systematic Review through the Lens of Gendered Organization Theory

Aims: To employ Gendered Organization Theory (GOT) to synthesize research on drivers of gender equity in male-dominated sectors and identify transferable strategies for the maritime logistics industry. Study Design: Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Place and Duration of Study: A structured search of the Scopus database was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025. Methodology: A PRISMA-based methodology was used for the SLR. Given the nascent stage of gender equity research, specifically within maritime logistics, a comparative approach was adopted. The review selected and analyzed 40 peer-reviewed articles from analogous male-dominated sectors (including mining, STEM, and military) that share structural characteristics with the maritime industry. Thematic analysis was utilized to consolidate diverse findings into a coherent framework grounded in Gendered Organization Theory. Results: The review has identified structural constraints, organizational culture, and practices that limit women in their participation in and career development in male-dominated sectors. Thematic analysis revealed that six areas of intervention exist, including institutionalized norms, a challenge to the ideal worker norm, gender-sensitive HR, mentorship, organizational culture, and bias awareness with structural change. These transferable drivers are essential for addressing the specific challenges of the maritime logistics sector. Conclusion: The findings provide a GOT-grounded framework for advancing equity in maritime logistics. The study underscores that because maritime-specific data is limited, adopting proven interventions from analogous male-dominated industries is crucial. A holistic, intersectional approach is required to move organizations beyond tokenistic gestures and dismantle systemic barriers.