Barilla Group Enters LEAD Network: A Further Step Towards Gender Equality
7 March 2024
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Barilla Group proudly reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and equal society both within its organizational framework and beyond. With a focus on breaking down barriers and championing gender equality, Barilla Group is proud to announce its strategic partnership with LEAD Network, a non-profit organisation which focuses on the advancement of women in the retail and consumer goods industry in Europe, through education, leadership and business development. Together, LEAD Network and Barilla will expand gender equality-focused training and mentoring programs, start joint programs and enhance participation in active chapters, driving positive change within the industry.
With a firm belief in gender equality as both a societal imperative and an ethical mandate, Barilla Group has made substantial strides in recent years. In 2020, the company achieved gender pay equality globally for all employees by eliminating the unjustified gender pay gap. Moreover, with over 38% of the Group's executives and managers being women and 47% of senior leaders’ direct reports being female, Barilla demonstrates its commitment to providing equal opportunities for every individual to thrive.
The new partnership with LEAD Network reflects Barilla's determination to foster an inclusive workplace across all facets of its operations.
“We are delighted to formalize the partnership with LEAD Network, a leading organization in advancing diversity, as we join forces in gender equality as a common strategic pillar. LEAD Network’s commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our own values, making this partnership a natural fit. I am convinced that, together, we will deliver even greater value to our business operations and markets,” states Gianluca Di Tondo, Barilla Group CEO.
“As we progress on this exciting journey to advance diversity and gender equality, I am excited to drive positive change and impact in a dynamic alliance trying to set a new standard for diversity and inclusion in our industry” says Floriana Notarangelo, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Barilla Group.
Internally, Barilla Group continues to prioritize equality and inclusion. The recently introduced Global Parental Leave Corporate Policy offering a minimum paid parental leave of 12 weeks for all parents (irrespective of gender, marital status, or whether they are birth or adoptive parents) is a prime example of the company’s pledge to supporting work-life balance for its employees. Barilla Group's dedication to gender equality has also garnered recognition, securing the third position among Food & Beverage companies in the Financial Times 2022 annual list of European Diversity Leaders, among companies which promote five aspects of diversity: gender balance, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and disability. Moreover, it became the first Italian company to win the Catalyst Award in 2021 for initiatives that accelerated the advancement of the role of women in the workplace and increased the inclusion of all its employees. In 2024, for 10 consecutive years Barilla has earned a perfect 100% score in the Human Right Campaign annual Corporate Equality Index in United States, which ranks major corporations on how they support LGBTQ+ employees. The Corporate Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
Beyond internal operations, Barilla Group extends its commitment to inclusivity on a global level. The company believes that when suppliers embrace diversity and provide equal opportunities, it not only mirrors Barilla's values but also contributes to a more inclusive work environment for women in various industries. In 2018, Barilla Group launched the Global Supplier Diversity Program to drive cultural change within its supply chain, and this initiative led the Group to be recognized as Silver Top Global Champions for Supplier Diversity & Inclusion in 2023 by WeConnect International, a global non-profit that brings together corporate buyers and women-owned suppliers. The recognition considers some of the world’s largest corporations that have demonstrated their commitment to global inclusive sourcing from diverse groups including minority, women, LGBTQ+ and disabled-owned businesses. The company also launched the Refugee Mentorship Program in Europe the same year, providing mentoring to refugee women, playing a key role in helping them find work and gain financial independence.
As Barilla Group continues to innovate and collaborate, it aims to create a world where women have equal opportunities, contributing to creating a more inclusive and better future for all.
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