Britannia’s Bold Move Towards Gender Diversity. The latest Britannia Sustainability Report 2023-24 reveals a notable increase in female workforce participation.
BENGALURU (India CSR): Britannia Industries, a leader in the Indian FMCG sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to gender diversity and workplace inclusivity with an ambitious goal: achieving 50% women representation in its factory workforce and 20% women in managerial roles by FY 2026-27. This bold step underscores Britannia’s drive to foster an equitable work environment, setting new benchmarks in the industry for equal opportunity and sustainable employment practices.
As part of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, Britannia has made steady progress in increasing gender diversity across its operations. The company has consistently worked toward creating inclusive workplaces, empowering women in leadership roles, and enhancing the participation of women in factory operations, which have traditionally been male-dominated spaces.
The latest Britannia Sustainability Report 2023-24 reveals a notable increase in female workforce participation, with the overall share of women employees rising from 11.5% in FY 2022-23 to 12.6% in FY 2023-24. This growth is a testament to Britannia’s strategic focus on gender equity, talent development, and career advancement opportunities for women.
Breaking Barriers: A Roadmap to 50% Women in Factory Workforce
Manufacturing and factory-based jobs have long been considered male-dominated fields, with limited participation from women due to structural and societal barriers. Britannia aims to challenge this norm by ensuring that half of its factory workforce consists of women by FY 2026-27.
Current Progress & Key Milestones
- Women in total workforce: 12.6% (Up from 11.5% in FY 2022-23)
- Women in factory workforce: Significant increase, with a goal of reaching 50% by FY 2026-27
- Gender diversity among on-roll employees improved by 1.1%
- Women in all management positions: 15.4%
- Women in junior management positions: 11.9%
- Women in revenue-generating management positions: 12.64%
- Women in STEM-related positions: 11.08%
This initiative is being implemented through a structured hiring strategy, enhanced training programs, and infrastructural changes, ensuring that women employees feel safe, empowered, and valued in factory roles.
Creating an Inclusive Factory Environment
To support this ambitious target, Britannia is undertaking several initiatives to make factory workplaces more conducive for women employees, including:
- Infrastructure Development: Building women-friendly facilities such as separate rest areas, child-care support, and hygiene amenities.
- Skill Development Programs: Training programs focused on technical skills, leadership, and operational management to equip women for higher roles.
- Safety and Security Measures: Strengthening workplace safety policies, ensuring compliance with ISO 45001:2018 standards, and implementing women-led grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Mentorship and Career Growth: Introducing mentorship programs to nurture talent and provide women with pathways for career advancement within the company.
With these concerted efforts, Britannia is paving the way for a more balanced and equitable workforce in the Indian manufacturing sector.
20% Women in Managerial Roles: Driving Leadership Diversity
Britannia’s commitment to workplace equality extends beyond factory floors to corporate leadership and management roles. The company has set a clear goal of increasing the share of women managers to 20% by FY 2026-27, ensuring that more women take on decision-making and leadership responsibilities.
Currently, women hold 15.4% of all management positions at Britannia, reflecting steady progress over the years. However, the company acknowledges that there is still room for improvement, particularly at senior management levels.
Challenges and Solutions in Women’s Leadership Development
Despite growing awareness and corporate initiatives for gender parity, women in India continue to face barriers in reaching senior positions. To overcome these, Britannia is implementing:
- Leadership Training & Development: Tailored programs that prepare women for executive and managerial roles.
- Inclusive Hiring Policies: Ensuring equal opportunities in promotions and leadership hiring.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Providing remote work options, maternity benefits, and family support policies to retain and promote female talent.
- Diversity in Business Functions: Increasing women’s representation in revenue-generating roles, ensuring gender balance in key operational areas.
By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity, Britannia is empowering more women to climb the corporate ladder, making leadership more equitable and dynamic.
Broader ESG Achievements & Commitment to Sustainability
Alongside gender diversity, Britannia continues to drive significant environmental and social impact initiatives under its ESG framework.
Key Environmental Milestones
- Renewable energy usage increased by 9%.
- Water consumption reduced by 12.4%.
- Expanded Scope 3 emissions reporting to include Business Travel & Employee Commuting.
- 75.8% increase in whole grain content in Britannia products.
- 3.3% reduction in sugar content & 7.5% reduction in sodium.
CSR Initiatives & Community Impact
- Britannia Nutrition Foundation (BNF) benefitted 2,33,157 individuals.
- Sir Ness Wadia Foundation (SNWF) impacted 2,76,075 beneficiaries.
- Employee Volunteering Program: 118 employees contributed 220.5 hours, benefitting 937 people.
(India CSR)
