Leadership programmes can elevate women into positions of authority

A strong support system at the workplace can help ease the challenges that women often experience with the multiple roles that they take on. 

With Malaysia serious about achieving the 30% target for women in decision making positions across the private sector, corporates need to evaluate the steps they can take to encourage more women to take leadership positions. While the public sector in Malaysia has exceeded its target at 38%, the corporate sector has a long way to go.   

So, how can corporates play a role in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for women? This can include implementing policies and practices to prevent discrimination and harassment, offering flexible work arrangements, promoting women into leadership positions, and providing resources and support for working mothers.

Committed to gender equality, Reckitt, a global FMCG company continues to build a culture where gender diversity and inclusion is seen as a key business enabler. 

One of the many programs that they have put in place to encourage more women leaders at the firm is the Awesome Woman @Reckitt program, designed to increase female representation across senior leadership roles, and achieve a 50:50 ratio by 2030. 

As a result of this program, 80% of women have taken on larger responsibilities while 20% of the women who enrolled have moved to take on international assignments. 

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023, three women leaders at the company share their journey.

Doubt kills more dreams more than failure ever did, according to Zahidah Abu Bakar, Reckitt’s HR Director – Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. 

She believes most of the time, it is a person’s own self-limiting belief that as a woman, they can only do so much, that hinders them from taking on larger roles. 

Zahidah is inspired by her mother to explore and push herself against the odds and take on challenges – watching her mother learn English in her mid-life taught her important lessons in determination and perseverance.

“My mother lost her father at a very young age, leading her mother into depression after the loss of her husband and youngest child. My mother gave up her education for her family. 

“But she never let her lack of education stop her from growing as an individual. She multitasked as a working mother, managing a small home business and never once compromised the family,” Zahidah shared proudly.

Very early on in life she learnt that women must be in touch with their inner self and build their resilience and grit, ready to face life’s curveballs.

Zahidah believes women leadership programs that focus on helping them overcome barriers, provide mentorship aligned to organisation goals, help accelerate the growth path for women representatives, and boost their confidence into taking on senior roles. 

Another woman leader who benefitted from the program is Wong Choy Yee, Marketing Director Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, Nutrition.

“The program inspired and encouraged us women by providing us with the right skillset to present ourselves to the senior management. I also benefited tremendously from the support gained from all the wonderful women across Reckitt’s Asean market. 

“It’s a good lean-in circle to learn from, and nurture each other in our journey, with a dedicated coach who listens and is able to guide us in the face of challenges,” she said. 

Wong is passionate in championing for change. She believes in embracing diversity to build a more inclusive, safe, and comfortable ecosystem that enables women to thrive. 

Having witnessed the change when corporates do their part in supporting women, she believes that embracing the culture of inclusion and belonging, can help achieve the gender equality vision by 2030.

“Traditionally, juggling different roles at different stages of life has always been a dilemma for any woman chasing their career or aspiring to take up senior leadership roles. 

“Added to that the stigma and expectation of the society for women to be solely responsible for her family may be the reason why some women take a back seat in their career journey,” said Wong, whose late mother inspired her to be positive and never give up when faced with difficult times in life.

Tiffany Tang, Reckitt’s Marketing Director, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam – Health and Hygiene has worked across local, regional and global roles in commercial and innovation development. 

She has 20 years of diverse operational and leadership experience, with a focus on consumers, and building brand value. Tiffany is currently managing a diverse team of 50+ with varied skill sets such as digital marketers, integrated media, CRM, operations, brand, and medical marketing teams.

“I strongly advocate being open to learn from the people around us. For example, I have enhanced my emotional quotient (EQ) through interactions with my children, where I evaluate and understand the impact my behaviour and actions have on them. 

“Applying this similar approach at work, I have learnt to be more empathetic, observant, and now am more self-aware. That to me is a woman’s superpower,” she said. 

“I believe that work and life intertwine. There will be good days and bad days. In my journey, I have been able to apply learnings from daily life and family to work, and vice-versa,” Tiffany added. – The Vibes, March 9, 2023