DFNI is proud to celebrate international women's day (IWD) This year, we're spotlighting women in global travel retail.
In this interview, Beatriz De Otto, Head of World Travel Retail Customer Marketing, Mondelez While we are proud of our proactive efforts to promote inclusivity and provide equal paths for women, there is room for improvement.
DFNI: What do you think about diversity in the travel retail industry and how do you think women are represented in the industry?
Beatrice de Otto: I consider travel retail to be a diverse industry given its global nature. I am proud of the active efforts being made to promote inclusivity and provide equal paths for women. This will only improve the representation of women within the channel and advance diversity.
As with all things, there is room for improvement. Women are well represented in a variety of roles, but the disparity becomes more pronounced at higher levels of leadership. This can lead to situations where women feel like they are the only female presence in senior meetings.
Nevertheless, this provides an opportunity for positive evolution. The industry can work together to foster a more balanced and prosperous industry for all stakeholders.
Depending on your experience, how do you feel things have changed for women in the industry?
Significant progress has been made in the situation of women in the industry. There are women in senior positions who have earned great respect and influence through years of dedicated work.
Their presence fosters a better platform for women to connect and grow. The positive impact of women in leadership positions shows how important diverse representation is.
Looking ahead, travel retail players must focus on sustaining and growing this. Women in senior roles represent positive change and serve as a beacon of inspiration for others looking to advance their careers within the industry.
What more is needed to support the advancement of women (general and/or travel retail)?
To foster progress in diversity within the travel retail industry and beyond, it is essential that each of us address our own biases. There is still a pervasive misconception that women prioritize their personal lives over their careers and seek greater work flexibility to achieve work-life balance.
However, the following studies McKinsey & Company's Women in the Workplace 2023 The report highlights that men and women are equally ambitious and that flexibility at work is valued positively by both genders.
To support the advancement of women, we need to counter these biases and create an environment where both men and women have equal opportunities to succeed professionally, without assuming gender-based priorities. need to be created.
Has your organization set diversity and inclusion goals?
Yes, our organization is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) across our operations, drawing inspiration from Mondelez's global efforts. We have set clear goals, including representative goals that reflect the diverse markets we serve.
We appointed a dedicated global DEI officer and launched a customized mentoring and leadership program for underrepresented groups. Our recruitment process ensures we have a diverse pool of candidates for every role. At our company, he has introduced a DEI scorecard and cultural competency training, and holds all managers accountable for achieving his DEI goals. We leverage our brands and partnerships to actively advance equity and inclusion.
Additionally, we committed to spending $1 billion to minority- and women-owned businesses by the end of 2024, while promoting a culture of inclusion through reporting and volunteerism. These efforts support our belief that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success.
Why do you think it's important to watch IWD and what kind of support is your company showing this year?
Observe international women's day It's very important, especially within our industry. It is important to give women in the industry more opportunities to speak out on different platforms and at conferences. Additionally, it is equally important to speak up to ensure our voices are heard. Organizations like Women in Travel Retail (WiTR) serve as a valuable platform for increasing diversity and fostering connections within the industry.
While International Women's Day is important and should be recognized, this is an idea that should be present throughout the year. Our approach is more holistic, and our diversity and inclusion operations ensure that these values ​​are carried through everything we do as a company.
How can I join the travel retail industry?
Joining the travel retail industry offers a variety of avenues to participate. International Women's Day is a pivotal moment to celebrate and participate. It serves as a platform to raise awareness, share personal experiences and inspire both women and men. By participating in IWD events, discussions, and initiatives, individuals can contribute to progress within the industry and foster mutual learning. It is an opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate diversity, and collectively move towards greater inclusivity and equality.
