Essity is proud to announce its partnership with WEConnect International, a global network that connects women-owned businesses with buyers like Essity, empowering them to compete in the global marketplace. This membership aligns with Essity’s commitment to fostering inclusive procurement practices.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Essity
By joining WEConnect International, Essity is taking a significant step towards promoting DEI in its supplier base and operations. Globally, one in three businesses are owned by women. By creating partnerships and removing barriers for a large portion of the business community, Essity will be widening its pool of potential suppliers and increasing opportunities for cost savings and innovations.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Market Positions
Jessica Nordlinder, VP Global Procurement, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: “Women’s economic empowerment is about ensuring equal and meaningful participation, increasing control over one’s own life, and could add $7 trillion to the global economy. Our partnership with WEConnect is a key part of Essity’s contribution to this effort. By empowering women business owners, we are making significant strides in our Inclusive Procurement journey. Promoting DEI across our supplier base will not only enhance Essity’s financial performance but will also reflect a diverse customer and consumer base, thereby strengthening the Group’s market positions."
Donato Giorgio, President Global Supply Chain, adds, “Empowering women entrepreneurs and striving to include more women-owned businesses is important for both us and society. This partnership reinforces Essity’s commitment to DEI in our end-to-end customer-centric supply chain and supports our ambition to drive positive change in the global marketplace. Together, we are building a more inclusive and innovative future.”
Inclusive Procurement Champions
In addition, Global Procurement has established a community of 15 Inclusive Procurement Champions, representing 11 locations across Europe, North America, and Latin America, and 10 different Procurement Teams. This diverse group will pilot and implement inclusive procurement practices in their respective areas and geographies, promoting DEI practices in suppliers’ operations, including small and diverse businesses, and reinforcing inclusion in Essity’s existing processes and practices.