We remain committed to our Associates, partners and communities. Stay informed on our response to COVID-19. Home 10,319 Voices to Shape a More Inclusive Society for All Women In early 2021, we asked the world a question: “What needs to change so more women can reach their full potential?” A Powerful Instrument for Change 10,319 women from 88 countries issued a call for systemic change. We’re listening. In the world we want tomorrow, society is inclusive, and women have the opportunity to reach their full potential. That’s why we launched our #HereToBeHeard global listening study to amplify the voices of women across various intersections—including race, age, sexuality, religion, disability and more—in a meaningful dialogue on how to shape a more inclusive world. Women shared their deeply personal stories, calling for systemic change they want to see from their employers, governments, communities, and men to break down the barriers they face. In partnership with BSR, University of Oxford Saïd Business School’s Future of Marketing Initiative, and in collaboration from the Unstereotype Alliance convened by UN Women, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in the Media, and CARE, we analyzed the women’s voices and the key themes that surfaced. The result is a timely report that challenges society at large to listen, learn and do more to help deliver gender equality. Download the #HereToBeHeard Report Hear what women had to say Click on one of the buttons below to hear directly from some of the women who took part in this study. You’ll hear what they think needs to change so women can reach their full potential. What needs to change for women to reach their full potential? Eight key themes emerged from our study, which have informed actions that we, as businesses, can take to help break down the barriers women face to unlock their full potential. An End to Discrimination and Harmful Gender Stereotypes 80% of women demanded an end to discrimination and harmful gender stereotyping. ACT NOW As advertisers, we have an opportunity to help create a more equal world. One way to do that is by producing “unstereotyped” marketing content that portrays all individuals as authentic, multidimensional, and empowered. Equal Career Opportunities 79% of women spoke passionately about the need for equal career opportunities. ACT NOW We need to remove gender bias and discrimination in recruitment, performance review, and promotion processes. More Women in Power 65% of women insisted on more women in power, making decisions. ACT NOW Research shows companies with more women board members, more women in senior leadership roles and gender-balanced teams perform better. We should work toward gender-balanced leadership teams by setting time-bound measurable goals to increase/advance the representation of women at all levels of leadership, and establish sponsorship and training programs for women from diverse backgrounds. Support as Parents 30% of women asked for support as parents—affordable childcare, more parental leave, and reversing the stay-at-home stereotype. ACT NOW For true equality, parents need support. We should encourage businesses to support all new parents with parental leave policies and to equip managers with training and resources to empower employees to use their parental leave. We also need to establish adequate off-/on-boarding plans for parents and allow flexibility for parents when they return from leave. Greater Work/Life Balance 25% of women shared a need for greater work/life balance. ACT NOW We can help create change by offering flexible work, embracing more diverse working styles, and ensuring performance reviews are tailored to recognize and advance workers who take advantage of flexible work options. Gender-Equal Learning 24% of women called for gender-equal learning and emphasized the importance of education free from stereotypes. ACT NOW Invest in strategic philanthropy in STEM and other historically male-dominated fields to increase engagement of young girls and youth within these fields. Additionally, brands should consider how stereotypes are present in marketing, and advertising should work to tackle harmful gender stereotypes about the role of women in society. Mental and Physical Wellbeing 19% called for better access to healthcare services for both mental and physical wellbeing. ACT NOW We need to provide equitable benefits packages to support women’s physical and mental health needs, and recognize that women may need targeted support at different life stages. An End to Gender-Based Harassment and Violence 15% of women called for an end to gender-based harassment and violence. ACT NOW Businesses should adopt a higher standard of prevention, protection and redress through policies that keep employees safe from harassment and violence, including gender-based violence. At Mars, we’re listening and acting The actions we take today can build a better tomorrow. With our continued learning, including what we heard from women in the #HereToBeHeard study, we’re committed to creating enduring positive change for women in our workplaces, sourcing communities and the marketplace. Here are just a few of the actions we’re taking toward a more gender-inclusive society. Learn more about our platform to advance gender equality. In all aspects of our business We’re taking action to address the barriers women face—because gender equality fuels our ability to grow and thrive as a business and enables women across our value chain to reach their full potential. This work demonstrates our Purpose, reinforces The Five Principles, delivers on our Inclusion & Diversity goals, and drives us toward our Sustainable in a Generation Plan ambitions. Read more In our workplaces We are taking action with policies and practices to improve representation and Associate benefits. We aspire to reach 100% gender-balanced business leadership teams across our global business. We remain committed to equal pay, are improving family support benefits, and through our Banfield’s Better Together Fund we’re supporting Associates affected by domestic violence. Learn how In communities Women comprise nearly half of the global agricultural labor force, while also providing unpaid work caring for their families. The World Bank cites that when women earn an income, they typically reinvest up to 90 percent back into their families and communities. Across our priority raw materials, we’re investing, we’re investing with a range of partners in long-term approaches to bolster women’s economic empowerment and access to opportunity. Learn how In the marketplace Where our goods and services are advertised and sold, we’re also working to remove gender bias and negative stereotypes in our advertising; reviewing our advertising annually to identify and reduce gender bias; and taking action with our brands to bring attention to topics such as motherhood, gender equity, and intersectional representation. 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