Celebrating influential women across convenience
Asiyah Javed, store owner at A&J Alloa Road – Spar
What does it mean to you to be a woman in the convenience sector?
Women are powerful consumers in the convenience retail space, and their preferences significantly influence purchasing decisions. Women in this sector face challenges such as, gender inequality in treatment, harassment or abuse and balancing work with childcare or other responsibilities.
For me, being a woman in the convenience retail sector means navigating a dynamic environment with both challenges and opportunities, while contributing valuable skills and insight to the industry.
Do you feel there is a positive culture being fostered in a space that has, traditionally, been dominated by men?
Things are improving, there’s a growing recognition of the valuable contributions women make to the sector. Initiatives and networks are slowly being established to support women’s advancement and I’m seeing more women in leadership roles in Scottish symbol groups.
Tell us about your own success story, positive experiences, etc?
As part of a family business, I have been recognised by the wider convenience retail community for my contribution to retail and charitable work.
I have also written for the Scottish Sun as a business advisor and asked to join various retail boards and to speak at events, all of which would’ve been unthinkable in the past. I was also nominated Woman of the Year in 2020 by ITV.
What has your experience been like as a woman working in convenience?
Very positive, I feel my opinions are listened to and that my experience is valued across Scottish retail.
What challenges have you overcome in this regard?
Gender inequality, including unequal treatment, still persists. Balancing work and family responsibilities can be very challenging.
What do you believe is the next step in ensuring women are an integral part of the Scottish convenience sector?
Greater support for work-life balance is essential, the main issues facing women in the workplace is balancing caregiving duties with work, retail can be inflexible and a greater understanding of the issues facing staff would go a long way.
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