Together we can #EmbraceEquity

As we kick off Women’s history month, we have the great opportunity to celebrate women's contributions and achievements worldwide. It’s also a moment to recommit to progress beyond the month of March to ensure we are continuing to do the work to break down the barriers women face.

While the gender gap has slightly narrowed since 2021, we are still fighting against the generational loss of progress due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the World Economic Forum, it will take a staggering 132 years to close the gender gap. To close the gap, we need to focus on making gender equity a part of everything we do in society, our daily lives, and within the organizations we lead.?

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day campaign is #EmbraceEquity. But what does that mean?

Equity does not mean equality. We can’t create equal opportunities and think that we’ve done enough. Embracing gender equity means creating a more inclusive world - a world where everyone feels they belong. ?

Women shouldn’t be responsible for establishing gender equity alone – allies need to help fight for the?advancement of women. No matter how big or small the action, everyone has an opportunity to embrace equity and can help foster a sense of inclusion and belonging. Collectively, if we all do what we can, small actions will add up. They will make an impact. They will drive change.?

There are countless ways that allies can help drive equity but two that I am proud to see Mars champion are creating inclusive work cultures where women’s careers can thrive and using our brands to uplift and support women. ??

Creating an Inclusive Work Culture at Mars

With more than 140,000 Associates in 80 countries across the globe, Mars is committed to the growth and development of our Associates, both personally and professionally. Through a number of?Associate Resource Groups (ARG), Mars empowers Associates across the organization to make important decisions, take accountability for direct results and support each other. No matter an Associate's background, Mars makes sure its talent has the support they need to be their best self.

As an ally, I lead our Women at Mars ARG. I work closely with a passionate group of Associates who are bringing programs to life that spotlight women and allies. These programs include the #HereToBeHeard global listening study, which amplifies the voices of women across various intersections, and the Full Potential global platform to advance gender equality in our global Mars workplaces, the marketplace and our sourcing communities. To celebrate Women’s History Month, our Women at Mars ARG is also rolling out a month-long series of internal events for all Associates dedicated to empowering women and embracing equity.

Using the power of brands to uplift women:

Mars is privileged to have some of the most iconic brands in the world that can make a big impact on society. Knowing that we need to embrace equity in all we do, we’re not only showing support for our Associates internally at Mars, but we’re leveraging the work our brands are doing externally to support customers and our consumers.

Earlier this year, M&M’S released its first-ever packs spotlighting the dynamic female M&M'S characters. The all-female packs celebrate women everywhere who are flipping the status quo.

In honor of the limited-edition packs, M&M'S is supporting organizations that are committed to uplifting and empowering women doing incredible work in their respective fields and daily lives. $1?from every pack sold (totaling?$500,000) will go towards supporting women via strategic partnerships with?She Is The Music?and?We Are Moving the Needle. Additional donations, outside of the limited-edition packs, will be made to?Female Founder Collective and Geena Davis Institute On Gender In Media.?

Beyond these organizations, Mars is also supporting trailblazing women. In January, M&M’S made a call to fans to nominate women in their lives who are flipping the status quo and on International Women’s Day, we will be revealing 20 winners. In partnership with the M&M'S FUNd Advisory Council, each winner will be honored with a $10,000 grant to further their flip and to create a positive impact on the world. Keep an eye on social because winners will be spotlighted across M&M’S channels and on MMS.com.?

We’re also excited to celebrate the amazing women and allies in our business who #flipthestatusquo by extending the M&M’S campaign to all Associates at Mars. Mars is offering $100,000 worth of investments in personal development to 10 Associates who are breaking down barriers for a more inclusive world.

This month, show your support by joining me, and so many others around the world as we #EmbraceEquity. Give yourself a hug to show that you physically, professionally, and personally embrace equity. Together, we can make a change, together we can create a world where everyone feels they belong.