Bangkok--20 Jun--Hill+Knowlton Strategies
In 2020, one billion women will form an integral part of the workforce. However, without proper education and opportunity to develop their work skills, the potential to bring women—whom currently comprise 70% of the world's poorest population—out of poverty, remains elusive.
Mrs. Jayne Harvey, Managing Director, Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) or DMHT said "Despite women forming two-thirds of the world's labor force, they continue to earn only 10% of total global income. Asia Pacific is considered one of the most effected regions in regards to gender inequality issues. Educating women in the region is required to empower the community's role as the foundation of sustainable national and global development. Additionally, countries with lower gender inequality rates tend to have higher capacity in development and competitiveness."
Mrs. Harvey also added, "Plan W is a global community investment programme by Diageo with an aim to empower women, comprised of four activity pillars; 1. Our Company: Further strengthen diversity policies and practices as part of our ongoing commitment to workplace diversity, 2. Our Industry: Increase women's knowledge and capacity by delivering skills training in the hospitality sector, 3. Our Communities: Working with partners, train women and men in marginalized communities to better their prospects; as well as support social entrepreneurs, and 4. Our Consumers: Raise awareness among consumers through campaigns led by Diageo's brands."
Diageo and partners have arranged multiple Plan W activities throughout Asia Pacific, such as, the Arthur Guinness Fund for Community Businesses in Indonesia, and Strengthening Actions for Empowerment of Women through Economic Opportunities in Nepal. Diageo is also a signatory of the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles (UNWEP) since 2013 and the first beverage alcohol company to sign the UNWEP.
"Strikingly in Thailand, 60% of female labors are unskilled with only elementary level education. They are facing crucial problems such as low income and heavy workloads. Plan W Thailand programme aims to lessen the gap between genders and relieve the socio-economic differences in remote areas by offering knowledge and improving necessary work skills for women in need," Mrs. Harvey added.
Since 2013 in Thailand, DMHT has initiated "Plan W Nongtakem" in partnership with Mechai Viravaidya Foundation at Nongtakem village in the Buriram province. The project covers over 170 households through gender equality promotion activities such as; community farming, funding for women to strengthen their economic capacity, and training for community members who seek to change and improve their quality of life. Within two years of operations, Plan W Nongtakem has supported initiative to empower 6,000 villagers, both male and female; while inspiring over 2,500 people to visit the village during the time. For more details, watch the video on "Plan W Nongtakem" at http://bit.ly/1VhQjuH.
Moreover, DMHT has partnered with Kenan Institute Asia and Hilton Worldwide in "Plan W Empowering Hospitality Women through Learning" programme which delivers interpersonal skills courses designed specifically for women in the hospitality industry. The content of the training includes communication skills, teamwork skills, and problem solving skills, which are all essential in their line of work, while equally introducing responsible drinking information via the "DRINKiQ" programme. The programme has been delivered to 662 Hilton's female employees of whom 93% have reported satisfaction with the course and 92% of stating high applicability of the course content to their jobs. In addition, Diageo has arranged for other workshops in capacity development such as how to dress in order to improve personality and thrive for success, a self-defense course, and financial management training.
"Diageo and 17 partners in hospitality industry and non-governmental organizations have initiated 32 programmes in 12 countries. 15,000 women have benefited and another 75,000 people positively affected by Plan W. Diageo is committed to the empowerment or women, in promoting their roles and abilities in organizations and improving their quality of life, as well as of those close to them." Mrs. Harvey concluded.
"Plan W" is Diageo's US$10 million strategy to empower two million women across all socio-economic profiles through training and skills development in 17 countries in Asia Pacific by 2017.