A diverse workforce
Through targeted recruitment efforts and proactive talent development programs, we have steadily increased the representation of women across all levels in our organisation. A journey that started in 2010 saw our growth from 18% women representation to 46% in 2023 in the managerial cadre. Seven out of 12 of our functions, including R&D and Finance, proudly hold gender-balanced positions despite the prevailing underrepresentation of women in these fields.
Enabling women's participation in our value chain
Our initiatives extend across our value chain, empowering women to take up traditionally male-dominated roles.
Project Ahilya and Project Samavesh are initiatives to provide equal opportunities for women in frontline sales and shopfloor roles, respectively. Through these projects, we have created a supportive ecosystem for women to excel in their careers. So far, we have over 1200 Ahilyas thriving in frontline sales roles and 900 women excelling on the shop floor in our factories.
Furthermore, Project Shakti has empowered ~2 lac women entrepreneurs in rural India, enabling them to start and grow their businesses. Economic empowerment is a cornerstone of gender equality, and Project Ahilya, Samavesh and Shakti embody our commitment to creating a more inclusive society.
Women Safety and Accelerator Fund (WSAF)
India, the second-largest tea producer globally, relies on a dedicated workforce of 1.2 million, with 58% being hardworking women. These women toil tirelessly, plucking tea leaves — a labour-intensive task that fuels our daily cup of chai. Yet, within the tea sector, gender-based violence persists. A UN Women study revealed that women face physical, sexual, and verbal abuse both on and off the plantations in Assam. This reality demands urgent action.
In 2020, the Women's Safety Accelerator Fund (WSAF) emerged as a beacon of hope. Implemented across tea-producing regions in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, WSAF aims to create safe and empowered workspaces for women. Supported initially by Unilever and IDH, it has since gained strategic partners like TESCO, Ethical Tea Partnership, Taylors, and Twinings. This initiative isn't just about tea; it's a blueprint for change. By collaborating with government bodies, civil societies, and the private sector, WSAF aims to create lasting solutions. Together, we are driving sustainable, long-term shifts — making women's safety an integral part of India's tea supply chain.
Standing up for domestic violence
As a visible advocate and ally, through Unmute, our campaign to end the silence on domestic violence, we have reached over 2 lac women in our ecosystem including tea plantation workers and HUL Shakti Ammas.
We have come a long way in our inclusion journey and fostered a culture where equity is practiced by addressing systemic barriers and empowering talent from diverse backgrounds. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our resolve to challenge stereotypes, and create a workplace where everyone has the necessary support system and an equal opportunity to succeed.
Join us as we celebrate the women of HUL who are an inspiration to our business and society.
Sharmistha Biswas, Factory Manager, Amli (1 of 5)
Sharmistha Biswas, Factory Manager, Amli has nearly two decades of experience as an operations leader, navigating a career path filled with unique challenges commonly faced by women in the field. Contrary to traditional gender norms, Sharmistha has always embraced a proactive approach to decision-making and action, challenging the notion that women must conform to notions of perfection and patience. Throughout her professional journey, she has courageously traversed geographical boundaries, organisational hierarchies, and diverse roles, prioritizing progress over the pursuit of unattainable ideals.
Drawing inspiration from the strong female figures in her life, both within her family and professional circles, she has learned to assert her authentic self with unwavering confidence. As a mentor and role model for emerging leaders, Sharmistha is committed to challenging the status quo and fostering inclusive environments where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive. Her resilience and unwavering determination serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring women in our operations to overcome barriers and embrace their full potential.
Neetu Verma, R&D Head, Home Care South Asia (2 of 5)
Neetu Verma, R&D Head for Home Care, South Asia, epitomises resilience and determination in her journey as a female leader in STEM. Like many women in her field, Neetu has grappled with self-doubt fueled by external perceptions and stereotypes. From being labelled as overly sensitive to facing doubts about her suitability to lead teams or serve as a strong business partner, Neetu has encountered her fair share of challenges.
Through the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by both male and female leaders, Neetu has emerged victorious, confidently owning her unique identity and breaking through barriers. As a leader, Neetu fosters a culture of empathy and active listening and instils a deep sense of care – for the business, for her fellow leaders, and for the people around her.
Darshi Vasavada, COE Manager – Customer Operations (3 of 5)
Darshi Vasavada, COE Manager – Customer Operations, endeavours to steer clear of personal and professional stereotypes, striving to lead a life that is as normal as anyone else's. As a woman with advanced visual impairment and a rare syndrome that makes her susceptible to lung infection, Darshi finds unwavering inspiration and inclusion from her family who have never doubted her abilities. Encountering skepticism and questions about her capabilities is nothing new for her. However, she has always preferred to respond through actions rather than words, proving her mettle time and again.
She acknowledges that overcoming such challenges hasn't been easy, but she relies on her mantra for life: patience, planning, perseverance, and never giving up. She has been fortunate to have teachers and line managers who have placed their trust in her abilities, shattering stereotypes along the way. She believes that it's not about being a ‘Woman’ or a ‘Person with Disability’ but about circumstances, and every individual has their own story and circumstances. She emphasises that true inclusion lies in understanding and leveraging each other strengths.
Manisha Rajput, SCADA Operator, Sumerpur (4 of 5)
Manisha Rajput, SCADA Operator, Sumerpur harboured a desire to assert her independence and prove her mettle. However, following her mother’s untimely demise, she had to shoulder the responsibility of the upbringing of her two younger siblings. As a single woman in Sumerpur, Manisha overcame the fears instilled by societal norms and works on the shopfloor. She found herself excelling in a role she never could have envisioned for herself and seamlessly works even in the night shifts. She attributes her success to HUL’s extensive social presence that shielded her from scrutiny and the unwavering support of her colleagues and mentors.
Savita Devi, Ahilya, UP (5 of 5)
Savita Devi, a Rural Sales Promoter in Uttar Pradesh, embodies strength not only within herself but also in her efforts to uplift women in her community. Following the tragic loss of her husband, Savita found herself facing the daunting task of single-handedly providing for her two children. Despite societal disapproval, she challenged traditional gender norms and fearlessly embraced the role of a frontline saleswoman at HUL. Her journey has not only secured a brighter future for her children, but also inspired women in her community. Her unwavering commitment to creating a better future for herself and her community exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and progress.