In a bid to empower women in the workforce, FCM has launched its Asia chapter of Womenwise – an initiative focused on boosting representation, value and rewards for its female workforce. It aims to foster gender diversity and address issues associated with achieving equality in the workplace.
To achieve this, Womenwise offers platforms for women to connect and engage through regional “Town Hall” events, panel discussions and an annual Womenwise conference.
The Asia chapter will cover the company’s staff in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. Prior to its Asia chapter, Womenwise launched chapters in Australia, The Americas, UAE and South Africa.
This year, Womenwise has drawn particular focus on eliminating unconscious and systematic biases that may be present in recruitment, and experimenting with flexible working arrangements for working mothers.
Through Womenwise, employees are encouraged to voice their suggestions towards what would overcome challenges like these and make for a better, more inclusive workplace. The international chapters are to allow Womenwise to more effectively address the unique concerns of women across the company’s global offices.
More broadly, Womenwise aims to inspire women in its workforce by showcasing opportunities, providing role models and structured support, which will ultimately enable them to progress in their careers and pursue senior leadership positions.
Worldwide, less than four women hold leadership positions for every ten men in business and politics according to a 2018 McKinsey Power of Parity report. In APAC, women are even more under-represented in leadership positions, with 28% of senior roles held by women according to a 2019 Grant Thornton Women in Business report.
FCM Asia is fairly ahead of this statistic, with women making up 69% of its workforce and over half of its leadership positions (55%).
“It is important to recognise the influence and contribution of FCM’s women who are passionately contributing to the workplace and ensure they have equal and fair opportunities in leadership development,” says Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director at FCM Travel Solutions, Asia. “Women and men both need to be the catalysts to drive this transformation towards an inclusive and diverse workforce of the future.”
