Today is International Women's Day – an annual global celebration held on March 8 to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year’s theme #BeBoldForChange calls on each of us to help forge a better working world; one that is more gender inclusive.
Everyone can play a part in helping drive better outcomes for women. Through meaningful celebration and targeted bold action, we can all be responsive and responsible leaders in creating a more gender inclusive world. How will you #BeBoldForChange today and every day?
At Nestlé, diversity and inclusion are an integral part of our culture, which is why globally; we have identified three key ways to drive diversity and inclusion in our company:
- Culture: building an inclusive culture and putting the diversity of our employees to best use by working together.
- Innovation: thinking about the needs of diverse consumers and making our products and services more accessible – whenever, wherever, however.
- Society: acting and engaging in an inclusive way with society and stakeholders in our diverse business environments and across the entire value chain.
Find more about Nestlé’s initiatives around gender balance and women empowerment in our Nestlé in society summary report 2016.
In Canada, we reached out to our employees to learn more about female role models who inspire them and words of wisdom they would share with the future leaders of tomorrow. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
“We are fortunate in that there has never been a better time to be born a woman. There are more women leading businesses and governments now than at any other time in human history. Yet we must remember that for many women around the world, the right to full participation in all aspects of society is still a distant dream. It is important that we recognize the privileges that some of us have, reflect on our history, and in the future that we continue to advocate for the rights of women, as well as gender non-conforming people.”
- Erin Wilson, Human Resources
“A hero is also a role model. It is someone who inspires you, who pushes you harder and loves you unconditionally. Someone who appreciates his or her family and no matter the obstacle remains strong and confident. That was my grandmother through and through.”
- Samantha Schwartz, Legal
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” Maya Angelou
“I believe the moment women accept that we do not need to apologize for who we are; we are at the foundation of truly loving ourselves.”
- Keshia Powell, Sterling Road Factory
“Words that have always resonated with me in my career are the following:
• Regardless of how doors in our life open, we still need to walk through them. Regardless of where our path takes us, it is really up to us to forge forward and make something of the opportunity; withdraw from the bank of goodwill not to judge and just support.
• I often share this advice to people who feel that perhaps someone was noticed because of their looks, or who they know, or that perhaps they do not feel that they are deserving of an opportunity.”
- Kelly Stevenson, Human Resources, Nestlé Professional
Click here to find out more information on International Women’s Day.
