P&G committed to promoting gender equality in science and technology

In allusion to the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11^th, the multinational consumer goods company Procter & Gamble announced that it is committed to driving education, understanding and action around some of the most relevant issues of gender equality in STEM, a movement that proposes teaching based on four specific disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For over 185 years and always on the lookout for innovation, P&G launched the We All Lead series to explore the power of young changemakers to inspire, impact, break down prejudices and spur inclusive futures, starting with a focus on girls in STEM.

Currently, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce, and men vastly outnumber women who majoring in most STEM fields in college.

Gender differences are also quite significant in some of the fastest growing and highest paying jobs such as engineering and computer science.

IMPACT PARTNERSHIP

To increase its impact in the community, P&G has brought together partner organizations that share a common commitment to gender equality.

P&G has partnered with Girl Up on its vision to reach 1 million leaders by 2030 by supporting the Annual Summit and Girl Up leadership programs.

The organization is a girl-centered leadership development initiative focusing on equity for girls and women in spaces where they are still underrepresented.

Globally, Girl Up manages a network of regional affiliates, reaching 195,000 girls and youth leaders in 152 countries and all 50 US states, developing transformative leaders who advance gender justice around the world.

 

FILLING GAPS

For over 65 years, formulas for P&G’s OLAY branded products have been developed by STEM professionals, many of whom are women. This is the third year of OLAY’s decade-long program to #FaceTheSTEMGap, which aims to help double the number of women in STEM and triple the number of women of color in STEM by 2030.

The brand announced its second $1 million commitment to efforts to help close the STEM gap through four innovative initiatives that will provide girls with guidance and role models to help them overcome inequalities.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE

P&G Corporate has teamed up with OLAY and Dr. Ateh Jewel Education Foundation, in a three-year commitment to provide grants and ongoing guidance. The support is intended to help future black and/or mixed-race students take their first steps towards a STEM career in the industry.

Program participants also explore the company’s Reading Innovation Center, where they visit skin care labs and the anti-counterfeit testing facility, to learn and gain insight into how products are developed with a focus on the consumer.

The initiative is an opportunity for students to see the practical applications of what they are learning in the classroom, solidifying that STEM education does not stop at graduation and that there is, in fact, the possibility of a successful future in the area. The invitation for them to see and believe that science is not just male-led shows that there are opportunities for black and mixed-race women to thrive in the industry and create products that are accessible to all.

“Together, with our employees as innovators and leaders, with our incredible and passionate partners, and with the collaboration of young women around the world, we’re committed to creating a world free from gender bias, with equal voice, equal opportunity and equal representation for all individuals,” says P&G.