Women’s empowerment and equality plays a vital role in the development journey of a society. Gender equality has come a long way, but we have to go miles to achieve the world we dream of and want to leave behind for the upcoming generation.
We dream of an inclusive environment where both men and women will thrive, have mutual respect, and be each other’s advocates. What is more ideal than a world where we do not leave anyone behind, rather walk side by side and be stronger together. Transition is happening and we now see the change where women are progressing towards a diverse and equitable society. They are voicing their opinions and ensuring a seat at the table. They are challenging the status quo and taking charge of their own future.
BAT Bangladesh is taking effective steps towards that dream. Ever since its inception, BAT Bangladesh has advocated for women and their empowerment, keeping diversity and inclusion at its core.
BAT Bangladesh observed the week of International Women’s Day with a series of events which addressed important topics such as inclusion, empowerment and challenging unconscious bias at the workplace. It’s important to create a work environment where female employees can thrive and belong.
The Company is currently home to 170+ strong females and this number has doubled over the last 5 years. This also includes around 40 females working on the shop floor. Additionally, 1 out of 5 front liners of the company is a female. Different enablers such as transportation, infrastructures in distribution houses, separate changing and resting facilities in shop floors make the workspace more conducive for them.
BAT Bangladesh is one of the first companies in Bangladesh to provide nine months of maternity leave to females with certain working conditions. Subsequently, a full-fledged day-care facility and conducive policies are in place to assist female employees in balancing the responsibilities of their personal lives.
As a responsible company, BAT Bangladesh recognises the necessity of championing diversity and inclusion to advance the resource development of the nation. In 2021, the company launched a mentoring platform named “Supernova” that grooms aspiring females in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to address one of the primary areas that have historically been dominated by men.
There are also dedicated programs such as Women in Leadership (WIL) to groom mid to junior-level female employees to build their confidence and resilience and prepare them for the next level. BAT Bangladesh has overall ensured that female employees can strengthen their leadership skills and role models by having two female leaders, in finance and legal and external affairs, as part of its country leadership team.
All this effort towards this movement has earned BAT Bangladesh recognition within the country and beyond. In Bangladesh, it has pioneered in achieving best in class certification, Global Equality Standard (GES), on equal opportunities and equal pay. The certification is a rigorous process and needs evidence of progressive practices that guard and promote a level playing field for all employees, creating an inclusive work culture devoid of all forms of discrimination. The organisation has also achieved the recognition for being the most female friendly workplace.
All these benchmarks have made BAT Bangladesh a pioneer in facilitating women’s professional development in the country and it continues to improve upon the high standards of diversity in pursuit of crafting a better tomorrow for all.
