Towards gender balance: facts beyond ideals

Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of any prosperous, happy and peaceful society.

It is no coincidence that in the UN’s 2030 Agenda gender equality is the fifth of the seventeen universal goals for the development of a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable world.

In the last few decades, the growing awareness around this issue has led to an enormous progress in the reduction and elimination of a gap that has existed for far too long. Despite the positive steps taken, in many areas full gender equality is yet to be achieved. Even in the business world where, despite the increasing proliferation of policies aimed at promoting inclusion and equal opportunities, the gender pay and career gap still exists.?

Over the years, I had the chance to work alongside teams from many different companies. And based on my experience I can categorically say that the best organizations, both in terms of staff wellbeing and satisfaction and business performance, are those composed of mixed and balanced groups of members.

I have therefore come to the conclusion that what sets the most successful businesses apart is their ability to welcome and promote diversity – especially gender diversity – as a multifaceted source of innovative new ideas, points of view and approaches, valuable elements for dealing with the growing complexity of the world and effectively embracing change.

I am very proud to share that gender equality is a reality at Angelini Pharma: worldwide, women represent 48% of the company population, a percentage that is even higher in some areas like R&D (75%). Women also hold 40% of our managerial roles at global level.?

These results have also been possible thanks to an effective HR Analytics strategy which has enabled us to identify gaps and to develop action plans mitigating any disparities in staff recruitment, driving the professional growth choices made within the company, and defining appropriate salary policies. One initial key positive effect of this strategy has been the elimination of the gender pay gap that still existed between male and female employees in Italy. We are also clear about the future course of action that we wish to follow.

In our company, we are constantly committed to living our values, strengthening our culture founded on diversity, inclusion and merit at all levels of the company. Our aim is to help everybody, without distinction, to fulfil their potential, providing the best possible environment for recognizing, cultivating and rewarding merit and talent. Combining the personal and professional wellbeing and growth of our people with the achievement of increasingly ambitious goals is essential for ensuring our sustainable development.?

Guaranteeing gender equality is not just a professional responsibility, it is absolutely critical to the success of our company.