Only 17% of chief supply chain officers are women, according to a survey by Gardner Inc. The number represents a 6% increase from 2019.

“The increase in women executive leaders over the past year is a positive sign; however, the survey showed that women don’t consistently make it through the pipeline,” said Dana Stiffler, VP analyst with the Gartner Supply Chain Practice. “Lack of progress is not something the industry can afford at the moment. Supply chain’s role in the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery is crucial, with lives and livelihoods at stake.”

Gartner’s survey included 177 supply chain professionals.

It also found there are proportionally fewer women at the VP and director levels compared to 2019.

While 63% of respondents have goals this year to recruit women and build pipelines, it takes years for this activity to strengthen the supply of available talent.

Meanwhile, the percent of women in the total supply chain workforce remains unchanged from 2019 at 39%.