Unilever has announced that its management-level workforce now comprises 50% women employees across the globe, up from 38% in 2010.
The consumer goods giant added that it was able to achieve this milestone a year ahead of its target.
Unilever chief executive, Alan Jope, commented, "We’re very proud to have reached our goal of equal representation of women and men among our 14,000 managers, but our work doesn’t stop here.
"We will continue to work towards equal opportunities for women and other under-represented groups both within our business, and beyond."
Gender Balance
The company's efforts to restore gender balance at the management level saw significant progress in departments where women have been historically underrepresented.
Unilever's finance department reached 50% women representation in managerial roles, while the figures in its operations and technology division, UniOps reached 47%.
In the supply chain department, women employees represent 40% of its workforce in the management level, an achievement which the company described as 'the biggest step change'.
Presently, the company's non-executive board is comprised of 45% women, Unilever added.
'Equal Access'
Chief human resources officer at Unilever, Leena Nair, said, "A thriving society is one where women have equal access to rights, skills, and opportunities. Women constitute the majority of our consumers and we owe a lot of our success to them.
"What we’ve achieved is testament to the work of thousands of people across our business who are able to fully unleash their potential because they feel valued and included."
Unilever has pledged to drive gender equality in the workplace through its Diversity & Inclusion team.
It has introduced tools that drive gender equality in the recruitment process by setting up gender-balanced interview requirements.
The company also monitors senior leaders’ records in appointing women through its gender appointment ratio tool.
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