Procter & Gamble to source $30 million from women-owned businesses in India

In its attempt to promote greater gender equality, Procter & Gamble (P&G) India has committed to sourcing $30 million from women-owned businesses across India over the next three years. For this initiative, P&G will partner with WEConnect India to develop capability among women entrepreneurs via training and workshops.

''We believe in the power of diversity because it is the right thing do for the growth of the business and the communities we operate in. Investing in women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses makes sense for the economy, the community and for us. Our initiative is in line with the Indian Government's efforts to empower women economically,'' Al Rajwani, MD & CEO, P&G India Sub Continent said.

''By committing a percentage of our spending to women-owned businesses, we're not only doing the right thing for the company, but we're also being socially responsible. The impact of our spending with women-owned businesses helps to stimulate economic growth in communities who are often overlooked, which in turn promotes job creation and further opportunities,'' Rajwani added.

P&G, in partnership with WEConnect, will organise conferences across the country to address the issues facing women entrepreneurs and discuss solutions and initiatives for tackling them. P&G leadership will also lead sessions with the women entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses sustainably.

P&G will also hold a series of supplier workshops to educate suppliers on the impact that a more diverse and inclusive supply chain can have for the national economy and local communities.

Gender Equality is a priority focus area of P&G's Citizenship activities. P&G has been steadily working to improve gender equality and create a more equal world by leveraging our voice in advertising, company social impact programs and advocacy efforts and creating an inclusive environment within P&G.

Procter & Gamble has announced a series of measures designed to support gender equality across the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa region and the recent initiative in India is another strong statement in that direction.