Unilever Sponsors International Women's Networking Event, Highlights Achievements In Workplace Gender Diversity

Unilever co-sponsored the 2012 Women's International Networking Conference in Rome as part of the consumer goods company's efforts to put women at the forefront of its vision for "a better, more sustainable future." Women account for almost 80 percent of Unilever's consumer base and are expected to control the majority of global consumer spending valued at $15 trillion by 2014. Unilever CEO Paul Polman said his company is focusing on developing female talent through its pro-active gender diversity program. In 2011, women hold 28 percent of senior positions in the company, up from the 23 percent recorded in 2007. Women now account for 40 percent of Unilever managers and more than 50 percent of all graduate recruits.