In recent years, equal opportunity employment in the workforce has transitioned from being an aspirational goal to a critical business need. Yet, achieving this requires addressing the existing disparities and providing an ecosystem where everyone can unlock their potential.
In India, women make up approximately 43% of STEM graduates, but make up only 14% of the STEM workforce. Globally, that number only goes up to 29%. At Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), we’re actively bridging this gap, and our commitment is reflected in our growth over the past decade—from 18% to 46% representation of women in managerial roles. We have been committed to driving gender balance across the board, with noteworthy efforts through key initiatives like Project Samavesh and Project Ahilya to promoting inclusive hiring practices and empowering women in non-traditional roles.
Another key step in the right direction of this journey is our latest initiative, ‘HUL Pathways’ – building and fostering communities of niche talent with the ambition to empower professional journeys.
HUL Pathways
HUL Pathways is an initiative designed to empower diverse leaders across industries in niche roles and professions that have been traditionally under-represented. Through HUL Pathways, we’re fostering an inclusive platform and a supportive environment for diverse talent to build their careers and inspire each other.
Season 1 of the initiative focused on Women in Supply Chain and brought together around 20 mid-senior professionals from leading companies to share future-fit supply chain capabilities, industry trends, and career insights. The event served as a platform for women to not only gain industry insights but also to discuss career development, resilience, and mentorship.
Participants engaged in candid conversations and enriching discussions, offering a blend of strategic perspectives on the future of supply chain management and personal experiences of leadership and overcoming obstacles. It was an opportunity to reflect on how women leaders can carve out successful careers in the supply chain, upskill and enrich technical acumen, and how organisations can support their journey through mentorship, training, and development programs.
Attendees heard from trailblazing women who have defied stereotypes to make significant strides in the supply chain. These interactions provided a platform for the attendees to gain insights from leaders who are not only shaping the company’s supply chain function but also actively committed to creating a more inclusive environment.
HUL Pathways is our initiative to foster communities of niche talent in India. We believe that with the right platform and encouragement, we can support professionals who are pursuing a relatively unconventional career path to reach their full potential. We're starting this exciting journey by focusing on top female talent in Supply Chain, and we’re eager to explore how we can create more opportunities for them within the broader industry.
B. P. Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People – Transformation and Sustainability Officer for HUL and Unilever, South Asia
Stories that inspire – HUL women leaders in Supply Chain
Sharmishtha Biswas (1 of 2)
At HUL, our commitment to quality and innovation shines through the work of leaders like Sharmishtha Biswas, who heads one of our most advanced, digitised factories. The factory produces shampoo, home care liquids, and tea, contributing impressively to our annual turnover. In her role, Sharmishtha not only prioritises the safety and growth of her team but also upholds our high standards of product quality, ensuring we deliver the best to our consumers. Located in the agricultural heartland of Western India, her site partners closely with local farming communities on essential projects like water conservation and sustainable farming practices.
One of Sharmishtha’s standout achievements is the development of PROMIS (Predictive Operations and Maintenance Information Systems). This machine-learning initiative enhances the quality of our shampoo sachets by predicting and preventing leakage issues. Designed in-house, PROMIS analyses historical defect data and machine parameters to identify potential issues before they occur, reducing the need for manual intervention. Since its launch, PROMIS has enabled the factory to achieve zero sachet leakages for six consecutive months, exemplifying the excellence we strive for in all our products.
Sharmishtha’s journey is a prime example of the diverse expertise within HUL. Through her work, she embodies our culture of innovation, collaboration, and dedication, contributing to our larger mission of driving progress in both our people and products.
Sanghamitra Das (2 of 2)
Starting her journey as a young trainee at the Barotiwala Factory in Himachal Pradesh, Sanghamitra Das witnessed the setup of one of HUL’s first ACMA lines for soaps – a significant milestone that set the tone for her career. Her path has since spanned diverse roles across R&D, customer service, and manufacturing, including stints at Amli, Dapada, and the Hosur Coffee Factory in Tamil Nadu. She moved on to the Mysore factory as a manufacturing manager and later took on the role of factory engineer, where she played a pivotal part in major capacity expansion projects.
Sanghamitra’s career story showcases her evolution through various roles. After joining Unilever's Engineering team as Product Data Manager for Foods and Refreshment, South Asia, she went on to lead as the factory manager in Nalagarh. Today, she heads one of HUL's largest ice cream and food manufacturing sites in Nashik.
Reflecting on her journey, Sanghamitra says, "My time with HUL has given me the chance to experience the vastness of the country and witness the scale and complexity of Unilever’s operations firsthand. Across every role and site, a common thread has been the integrity and drive for excellence in people. I’ve always embraced new challenges, and with Unilever, the sky truly is the limit in terms of the knowledge and experiences to be gained.