MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In line with International Women’s Month’s “Inspire Inclusion” theme, Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines celebrated with a symposium of its women employees learning from notable women leaders: 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 Intelligence Hub.
To champion belonging and provide support for women in the workplace, the symposium gathered over 200 women employees from different locations, emphasizing P&G’s aspiration to create a company and a world where equality and inclusion are achievable for all; where respect and inclusion are cornerstones of culture; where equal access and opportunity to learn, grow, succeed and thrive are available to everyone. It also inspired them 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
A case in point of empowered women serving as inspiration for other women to succeed and thrive in the workplace is Atty. Lelen, who shared her career track in the sectors of private companies, government, and the academe. She 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,” she said.
She also shared that her proudest role is being a mother and giving her daughter the time, space, and support system to grow as an athlete and academic achiever. She 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.”
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.”
By understanding its role in creating an inclusive, safe, and empowered workplace, P&G Philippines encourages all its employees and leaders to nurture a sense of belonging within the organization. This Women’s Month, P&G reiterates its call to empower employees to rise together to inspire equality and inclusion within the company and beyond.
