PepsiCo New Zealand gets tick for gender equality

PepsiCo New Zealand, maker of Bluebird snacks and global snack brands, Doritos and Pepsi Max has been accredited to the YWCA Auckland’s Gender Tick programme, joining other leading Kiwi companies that rank among the best places for women to work.

PepsiCo New Zealand believes that an inclusive culture, that recognises and values the unique attributes and experiences of employees, is critical to the sustainable growth of the business.

At PepsiCo New Zealand:

· 50% of the New Zealand leadership team are women.

· 53% of employees are women and;

· 52% of the manufacturing team are women.

General manager of PepsiCo New Zealand, Ali Hamza, said “We’re delighted to receive this accreditation, and to be joining a programme that is focused on promoting gender equality”.

Mr Hamza says the company strategy included 100% pay equity, flexible work practices and 16 weeks paid parental leave in addition to government-paid parental leave. The company is also a member of Diversity Works New Zealand.

The Gender Tick programme was created by YWCA Auckland in 2018 with assessment and accreditation by leading Diversity and Inclusion practitioner Dr Kaisa Wilson of Mosaik Ltd.

Gender Tick was established to recongise and promote Kiwi organisations who are actively committed to achieving gender equality. New Zealand ranks 33^rd out of 35 in 2017 global rankings of women in senior leadership roles.

Mr Hamza said that while Bluebird was proud of its reputation as an excellent employer in New Zealand and its accreditation to the programme, the company is committed to continuing its work in diversity and inclusion across the workplace. 

“We will continue to foster an inclusive environment where individuals feel they can bring their whole self to work, and that all their contributions and past experiences are valued.”