March was a truly inspiring month at Diageo, as the company hosted a variety of global engagements dedicated to International Women’s Day (IWD). 

Diageo supported the IWD #EmbraceEquity theme, with the ambition of sparking curiosity and conversations about what changes can be made to incorporate equity into everyday life.

Kicking off with a global launch panel, Diageo's individual markets hosted panels, happy hours, and various other engagements, providing employees with an opportunity to join the discussion. From a series of equity-focused panels across LAC, to world-famous chef Monica Galetti sharing personal experiences at Diageo's Global HQ in London, the company's IWD celebrations shone a light on a number of inspiring women across society.

"I’ve been amazed by how vibrant Diageo’s IWD celebrations have been this year. Watching the variety of events from across the globe makes me so proud to work for Diageo, I genuinely believe that as a company we are stepping up for progress, people, and society. Here's to all the amazing women helping to make a difference, and to inspire others around them," said Diageo Business Area Administrator for Scotland, Melissa Neal.

Celebrations supported by Diageo's Spirited Women Network

As usual, IWD at Diageo could not have been as successful without Spirited Women, the company's Employee Resource Group (ERG) that works throughout the year to provide women with a platform to thrive and an environment to flourish. The network, which has 14 groups worldwide, shared information and drove awareness of equity throughout the month, and like all Diageo's ERGs was instrumental in continuing to create a sense of belonging throughout the month.

Diageo leadership hosts #EmbraceEquity panel 

Diageo IWD celebrations kicked off with a virtual launch panel [pictured above top] with all employees invited to join a 45 minute discussion on the #EmbraceEquity therme. Hosted by Diageo's Chief HR Officer, Louise Prashad, the panel saw Diageo's Chief Executive Ivan Menezes, Non-Executive Director Karen Blackett, and the co-founder of Diageo-backed incubator Pronghorn, Dia Simms, share personal experiences of how equity has presented itself to them.

Inspirational colleagues discuss equity at work and in society

Within a video that aired across internal and external channels, Diageo spoke to several inspirational employees about how equity has presented itself at work and in society. From Aarti Calvin, who has broken barriers in a stereotypically male-dominated industry, to Alia Seraj, whose support of female refugees is shaped by her own experiences, each story was a personal reflection of how equity has helped them and women across their markets achieve opportunities and success.

Fireside chat with senior colleagues and special guest

Spirited Women, Diageo's Employee Resource Group (ERG) providing women across the company with a platform to thrive, was integral to the IWD celebrations. The ERG hosted several engaging events across its markets. Additionally, Spirited Women hosted a fireside chat with several senior colleagues including Diageo President of Europe Soraya Benchikh, with a guest appearance from Monika Galetti, the world-renowned Chef & Restaurateur.

An open discussion with Diageo employees in Ghana

Diageo employees in Ghana engaged in an open discussion around the concept of equity across two sessions at Diageo's breweries in Accra and Kumasi. The sessions were run by Esther Cobbah, Founder and CEO of Strategic Communications Africa, and Dr Gifty Anti, CEO of GDA Media Ltd and TV host of The Standpoint - encouraging employees to be true champions of Inclusion & Diversity at work, home, and across society.

Diageo's Asia-Pacific team organized exciting activations 

Diageo's team in Asia-Pacific (APAC) organized a host of exciting activations over March, including panel sessions in Thailand and a learning café in Taiwan.

The team in China held an IWD Happy Hour in Shanghai, where participants were asked to tap into their creativity and use art to illustrate their perspective on this year's theme of equity.

Former Irish international rugby player shares her story

Over 80 Diageo Ireland employees gathered at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to celebrate IWD, with an additional 140 employees joining virtually. As part of the panel, former Irish international rugby player, Sene Naoupu, shared her personal experiences of challenging stereotypes and leveraging equity to inspire a cultural shift, especially concerning women's rugby.

Diageo alsao celebrated Black Heritage Month with a Supplier Diversity series

Diageo North America kicked off its Black Heritage Month engagements in February with an inspirational edition of its Supplier Diversity series Fireside with Founders, featuring Rikki Kelly, the founder of Ego Tequila. It is the first Black-woman owned tequila brand to originate out of the state of Texas, with the event also leading into North America's IWD celebrations. The edition was hosted by Ursual Dunn from Pronghorn, the Diageo-backed incubator for Black-owned spirits brands in North America.

Diageo shone a light on its global water projects for World Water Day

On World Water Day, Diageo shone a light on its investment in water projects around the globe, which are empowering women and putting them at the heart of their community.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected when communities don't have clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), but through Diageo partnerships with CARE International and WaterAid, the company is determined to make a meaningful impact and promote gender equality.

Work for a company that embraces equity all year round

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