AS Watson Commits to gender equality and signs Women’s Empowerment principles
As we approach International Women’s Day, the significance of female empowerment and gender equity takes on an enhanced resonance across the globe.
Leading by example in this noble pursuit is AS Watson, the world’s most extensive international health and beauty retailer, which has proudly become the first in its sector to align with the Women’s Empowerment Principles.
This initiative, a brainchild of UN Women, champions gender equity and the empowerment of women, embodying a movement of monumental importance and global reach.
Central to AS Watson’s ethos is a profound commitment to nurturing an environment where inclusivity and opportunity for women are not merely encouraged but are actively cultivated. Malina Ngai, the esteemed CEO of AS Watson (Asia & Europe), eloquently articulates this commitment: “At AS Watson, we are dedicated to empowering women to be more beautiful and confident. With over 80% of our 160 million members and over 70% of our 130,000 colleagues being women, our top priority is to inspire and support every woman to become the best version of themselves.”
AS Watson’s dedication extends beyond mere words, as evidenced by its concerted efforts to foster an inclusive work culture. The company prides itself on creating a milieu where women are not only valued but are also provided with equitable opportunities for career advancement. “AS Watson aspires to leverage our scale for good and inspire every woman to radiate beauty from the inside out,” Ngai asserts, envisioning a paradigm where beauty transcends conventional aesthetics to embody ‘The New Beautiful’—a celebration of the inherent beauty within every individual.
The company’s allegiance to women’s empowerment is further exemplified through its collaboration with Operation Smile within the Women in Medicine programme. This partnership aims to uplift women in the medical and healthcare sectors, offering them educational opportunities and specialty training to ascend as global leaders. The programme’s impact is tangible, having facilitated the training of 30 female plastic surgeons who, in turn, contribute to reconstructing thousands of smiles annually. Looking ahead, AS Watson has set an ambitious goal to sponsor 10,000 surgeries by 2030, underscoring its commitment to driving positive change.
In tandem with International Women’s Day’s ‘Inspire Inclusion’ theme, AS Watson and its 12 retail brands, spanning 28 markets, are set to unveil a plethora of activities championing women’s empowerment.
Initiatives range from Watsons’ ‘Our Time is Now’ campaign to engaging community activities across various Asian and European markets, each designed to inspire and mobilise women towards realising their full potential.
AS Watson’s endeavours exemplify a broader mission: to champion gender equality, empower women, and cultivate an inclusive society where everyone’s uniqueness is acknowledged and valued. In Ngai’s words: “Empowering women is not only our responsibility but also our passion for creating a world with equality and inclusion.” This clarion call for collective action serves as a reminder of the power of unity in fostering a better world, a testament to AS Watson’s unwavering commitment to leading the charge in women’s empowerment.
