Ajith Thomas, Country HR Head for Unilever Sri Lanka, discusses the company’s commitment to fostering equity for women in the workplace through a comprehensive approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). He shares insights into Unilever’s emphasis on the importance of recognizing and removing barriers to level the playing field, with leadership driving this initiative and all employees sharing responsibility and implementing progressive policies, investing in development opportunities, and fostering a culture of inclusion to empower women and ensure they can thrive professionally and personally. In this interview, Ajith also highlights how embracing DE&I initiatives enhances the company’s ability to understand consumer needs and identify commercial opportunities, particularly in reaching female consumers and supporting women’s economic empowerment through initiatives like the Saubhagya and Sunshine Retailer Development programmes. Excerpts of the interview are as follows:
Can you elaborate on Unilever’s approach to promoting equity for women in the workplace, particularly in terms of taking an intersectional approach to DE&I?
At Unilever, fostering equity among all our employees lies at the core of our organizational ethos. Equity, to us, means acknowledging that not everyone starts from the same place, and thus, it entails our concerted efforts to eliminate barriers hindering individuals from realizing their fullest potential. While our leaders are dedicated to cultivating an environment conducive to everyone’s growth, we firmly believe that advancing equity is a collective endeavour shared by all members of our workforce, not just our leaders.
We ingrain equality into the fabric of Unilever through various measures. Firstly, we ensure a balanced slate for recruitment, striving for diversity at every level of our organization. Additionally, we empower our employees by showcasing the impactful leadership of women in senior positions, serving as inspirational role models for all.
Moreover, we actively dismantle systemic barriers by implementing progressive policies aimed at levelling the playing field, channelling our efforts into fostering a culture of inclusion where every individual feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
In what ways does Unilever work towards unlocking opportunities and creating lasting positive change for women?
Our mission to empower women isn’t just a slogan – it’s ingrained in everything we do. From the processes we implement to the policies we enact, we’re dedicated to fostering an environment where women can thrive and succeed. One of our proudest accomplishments is achieving gender diversity at the management level globally. Setting clear targets and driving strategies to meet them has been key to this success. In Sri Lanka specifically, our senior leaders are champions of gender equity, actively working towards a more balanced representation across all levels of our organization.
Our commitment doesn’t stop at numbers. We’re invested in the long-term success of our female talent, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to grow and excel. From breaking gender stereotypes with pioneering appointments in traditionally male-dominated roles to providing tailored development plans and global exposure, we’re building a pipeline of empowered female leaders for the future.
Our inclusive policies reflect our values and leadership principles. Whether it’s our Fertility Support Policy, menstrual leave, or onsite childcare facility, we’re constantly striving to create a workplace where women feel supported in both their professional and personal lives. And while we’re proud of our progress, we know there’s still work to be done. But with our unwavering dedication and ongoing efforts, we’re confident that we’re moving in the right direction towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
How does Unilever believe that embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion contributes to better understanding consumer needs and identifying commercial opportunities?
Women constitute a significant portion of our consumer base, and many of our brands prioritize empowering them through capability-building programmes for small businesses and entrepreneurs. These initiatives often target women, aiming to enhance their skills, provide training, and boost confidence for the next generation. For instance, Sunlight, one of Unilever’s iconic brands, focuses on fostering unity within Sri Lanka’s diverse society, regardless of race, religion, class, colour, or caste.
We firmly believe that embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion internally enhances our understanding of consumers. Moreover, diversity and inclusion not only benefit individuals but also drive business success. Women, particularly, represent a crucial segment with significant potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy.
Currently, female participation in the national labour force stands at approximately 35%, half that of men, and we at Unilever Sri Lanka are committed to improving this disparity. Through our ‘Saubhagya’ programme, we empower rural Sri Lankan women to earn sustainable livelihoods by selling Unilever products within their communities, and this initiative supports around 6,000 Saubhagya entrepreneurs. Additionally, our Sunshine Retailer Development Programme assists over 2,700 small-scale retailers, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the market while serving their communities.