By Salima Bekoeva
INITIATING conversations, let alone being proactive about gender equality at the workplace, may be out of the comfort zone for some. But true change often starts from a place of discomfort – and this is a topic that can no longer be put off for the sake of “comfort”.
The time to create more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace environments is now.
Our current reality
Last year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the Gender Social Norms Index, studying data from 75 countries including Malaysia.
The index revealed that only 1.46% of respondents reported that they have not experienced any gender bias against them. This means that 9 out of 10 people around you may have encountered gender bias at some point in their lives.
This is jarring to know and it proves that there is an even greater need to foster inclusion and diversity at work.
There is no denying that personal ability contributes significantly to an individual’s success, however, businesses too, play a crucial role in ensuring that anyone, regardless of race, gender, or stereotypes, are presented with equal opportunities and a chance to excel. Therefore, breaking the glass ceiling must be a collective effort.
Taking a bold leap of faith
Looking back on my own professional journey over a decade ago, I took a big risk by venturing into the supply chain function. It was a huge change for me because my background was in finance.
I had a lot of personal doubts because I did not have any technical background, but in hindsight, I am glad I chose to challenge the norms because it brought me on an exciting career journey all the way from Russia to Malaysia.
Ten years ago, it would have been hard to believe that a woman would have the chance to lead the supply chain function of the brewing industry, but HEINEKEN broke the chain, challenged the perception, and gave me a chance to discover the possibilities of working in the beer industry.
Empowering people at HEINEKEN Malaysia
Going back to what I mentioned earlier about businesses playing a role in cultivating a diverse and inclusive working culture, this is exactly the culture and environment that the company provides us with – empowering all of us to be brave, creative, and innovative in our work.
Today, I’m proud to share that I am the very first woman supply chain director for HEINEKEN Malaysia.
Whilst the brewing industry is indeed male-dominated, we are changing the rules as there are many women leading the core supply chain functions – from brewing and quality assurance to planning, customer services, and distributions.
This is possible because the company commits to providing the right environment for women to progress and thrive.
In 2011, the Malaysian Government set a target that women must comprise of at least 30% of decision-making positions in the corporate sector.
At HEINEKEN Malaysia, there is a 50:50 balance of women to men in middle to senior management positions, whilst three of the seven members of our board of directors are women.
In celebration of International Women’s Day this year, I want to create an environment that empowers and encourages women to make a conscious choice to accept challenges and tackle them head-on.
I hope to pass on my experience to the newer generation of women who will someday be in my shoes.
I truly believe that the key ingredients to leading a successful team involves honesty and openness in decision making, commitment to the development of our people, and working towards continuous improvement.
Breaking the glass ceiling starts with us: we must dare to dream, dare to tear down preconceived ideas, and take risks because we cannot change the world if we don’t choose to do anything about it. – March 17, 2021
Salima Bekoeva is the supply chain director of Heineken Malaysia Bhd
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
