At Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, women empowerment goes beyond just a yearly event. P&G Philippines has launched the #BiasBreakers campaign to showcase how the company breaks biases through its people, policies, and advertising. Through this initiative, P&G aims to fight societal gender biases and empower its employees, consumers, and partner communities to do the same. The campaign also encourages girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Leading the #BiasBreakers campaign is Seema Menon, an engineer and P&G plant leader in the Philippines. Menon, a single mother from Mumbai, India, is the perfect choice to represent the campaign. She was the first woman manufacturing plant leader in P&G India, Middle East, and Africa. Throughout her nearly two-decade career with P&G, Menon has worked in supply chain management, purchasing, manufacturing, and engineering. However, she faced challenges on her journey to break the glass ceiling.
Menon notes that the most common bias about women in manufacturing is their perceived technical inferiority compared to men. There is also a bias that manufacturing or supply chain roles are physically tough and may not be suitable for women, particularly at different life stages. Additionally, there is a stereotype that women are less aggressive than men and may not be as demanding of their teams.
In the past, Menon tried to fit in with the “boys club” and behave more like a man to overcome these biases. However, she eventually realized that she could be successful while staying true to herself. Menon appreciates being in the manufacturing industry at one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world because it allows her to connect with her team on a deeper level. This connection drives her passion for the industry.
While P&G supports gender equality and the elimination of biases, Menon believes that the industry as a whole should make jobs physically easier for both men and women through simplification, automation, and digitalization. She also emphasizes the need for more infrastructure support for women in the industry, such as proper facilities, daycare centers, healthcare, and maternity leave policies. Menon believes that equal representation of women at all levels in the industry would unleash the full potential of the talent pool available.
To achieve this goal, Menon stresses the importance of encouraging and inspiring girls to pursue STEM courses. Women leaders can dispel the myths and stereotypes surrounding STEM fields, paving the way for more women to succeed in the industry. Menon acknowledges the role that mentors have played in her own career and life, and she strives to be a mentor for younger generations, helping them achieve their goals.
Being able to prepare the next generation for their future roles is incredibly fulfilling for Menon and a major reason why she remains with P&G. As a company that promotes from within, she can witness the impact of her mentorship firsthand. Menon continues to break biases and challenge norms as a leader at P&G, inspiring women in the manufacturing field through mentorship and training.
Source: Seema Menon, the #BiasBreakers campaign, and women empowerment at P&G Philippines
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
