CREATING AWARENESS: Over 250 employees have participated in Gender Balance Awareness workshops in Nestlé Japan.

In 2008, we launched a worldwide initiative to accelerate gender balance and guarantee an environment and culture that optimises the talents of both men and women.

In 2009, Nestlé businesses in all markets have defined locally adapted action plans that are currently being deployed.

Nestlé Japan, for example, has run Gender Balance Awareness workshops with more than 250 participants, including its entire management team and three taskforces (one for sales, one for factories, and one for women and leadership) have been set up.

“Improving the gender balance is absolutely necessary for our ability to survive and succeed as a company. Experience shows that building awareness, especially for managers, is a critical first step of this long journey. Therefore, starting with the top management, we have rolled out a series of ‘Gender Balance Awareness’ workshops to better understand the business case and ensure alignment throughout the organisation. This is our business imperative.”

Chris Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Nestlé Japan Ltd.