Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

This is the mission statement for the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) “Gender Equality” which I’m reflecting on today through our 17 Weeks to COP28 journey. This is critical in general hence the reason why the majority of the 9 targets are high-lighting statements in this matter but it’s also critical in the workplace where equality makes a great difference. Humans no matter gender bring different values and perspectives which nurture an exciting, inspiring, and creative environment.

In 3M we are recognizing the importance of gender equality and have Employee Resource Networks in place to support:

·       Women Leadership Forum (WLF) and Women Leadership Forum in Tech (WLF-T)

·       Men As Advocates (MAA)

The networks are driven by volunteering passionated employees from all functions and geographical areas who arrange many different activities to empower our important WLF mission “to attract and develop leaders at every level of the organization to accelerate the inclusion and advancement of all women globally to reflect our customers and markets, and to grow our business”.

The initiatives are diverse and inspiring – from panel discussions with specific topics, external speakers and workshops like the Google initiative “#IAmRemarkable” and “Let’s talk” sessions. The “Let’s talk” sessions are locally driven by the North Europe Regional WLF who has developed the concept of inviting employees to join one-hour sessions with informal discussions around topics like “Managing your personal brand” and “What is work-life balance”.

We still have room for improvement, and we need to continue to drive these important initiatives. I’m really proud of and humble about the engagement, passion and work my colleagues continuously are driving!

Find more insights in our recently published 3M 2023 Nordic Impact Report

#improvinglives #UNSDG5 #COP28 #proud3Mer #17WeeksToCOP28