This year’s International Women’s Month has the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” which aims to inspire people to value and understand women’s inclusion to help forge a better world. Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines, known for championing equality and inclusivity, remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and providing support for women in the workplace.
In celebration of Women’s Month, P&G recently hosted its 2024 Women’s Symposium with the theme “#RisingTogether: EmpowHER the Workplace and Beyond.” The meaningful event was attended by over 200 P&G employees. Attendees eagerly listened to the inspiring stories of notable women leaders, including Atty. Darlene “Lelen” Berberabe, P&G alumna and Dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law; Seema Menon, P&G Senior Director and Cabuyao Plant Manager; and Vidya Srinivasan, Vice President of P&G Manila Global Business Services.
The symposium further emphasizes P&G’s aspiration to create a company and a world where equality and inclusion is achievable for all; where respect and inclusion are the cornerstones of culture; where equal access and opportunity to learn, grow, succeed and thrive are available to everyone. More importantly, the event inspires P&G employees to celebrate and honor the individuality and valuable contributions of everyone, regardless of gender, while fostering a safe and inclusive environment that amplifies women’s voices.
“We should look at every opportunity on its merit, and not stereotype women in the workplace on what they can and cannot do,” said Agraj Sharma, P&G Philippines’ General Manager. “Creating a safe space where you can speak your mind is absolutely important. As managers, it is important that we are creating a safe space that fosters innovation, creativity, confidence, and growth.”
Supporting women to succeed and thrive
P&G is committed to fostering a gender-inclusive workplace that champions gender and intersectional equality, enabling women to contribute to their fullest potential. When women are empowered, they are enabled to bring their full authentic selves to work, make a meaningful impact, and serve as inspiration for other women to succeed and thrive in the workplace. This is precisely exemplified by Atty. Darlene “Lelen” Berberabe, a successful female leader in the sectors of private companies, government, and the academe. Atty. Berberabe is a P&G alumna who served as CEO of PAG-IBIG and now serves as the Dean of the UP College of Law. “I was told many times that I ‘cannot’ and ‘should not.’ But each time I stepped up and took the lead, it made me what I am today: happy, inspired, and paying it forward [to others.],” she said.
Atty. Beberabe’s proudest role is being a mother and for her, one of her biggest accomplishments was giving her daughter Jamie the time, space and strong support system to grow as an athlete and academic achiever. Atty. Berberabe emphasized that having a strong and nurturing support system for girls and women can lead to great things at home, in school and in the workplace. She has also enabled many women employees to better career roles because she believed in their potential to lead.
“It is important to be generous in sharing your experience with others. Let us help each other to rise together and support women,” Atty. Berberabe said.
She also points out the value of diversity in gaining a more holistic perspective, “I’ve come to accept that being different is not bad. It allows you to listen to diverse points of view and learn to work out the best idea from there.”
Through understanding its role in creating an inclusive, safe and empowered workplace, P&G Philippines encourages all its employees and leaders to participate in nurturing a sense of belonging within the organization. This Women’s Month, P&G reiterates its call to empower employees, so they can rise together to inspire equality and inclusion within the company and beyond.
