A look at how AXA and the Executive Centre support diversity and inclusion

 閱讀中文版本

In consideration of International Women's Day, we invited Axa and the Executive Centre to share their call-to-action to help challenge gender inequality in the workplace. 

At the Executive Centre, over 60% of the total workforce are female globally, and in Hong Kong, about half (47%) are female. Furthermore, five out of seven of its regional heads are female, and they have moved up the ladder while at the company, confirmed Nadia Zhu, the Executive Centre's regional managing director. 

As for AXA, half of its senior executives in APAC are female, explained Peck Yeow Gan, Human Resources Director at Axa Asia.

Setting diversity objectives for all senior executives

In AXA's recruitment and training process targeted at senior roles, it's mandatory to shortlist at least one man and one woman for every role. 

"Achieving gender parity is a genuine business priority for AXA as it's integral to our future success, driving both innovation and performance. To that end, AXA has made a concrete commitment to achieving this in its senior leadership, while putting in place initiatives to support a strong pipeline of female talent," Gan said. 

Providing platforms for women to grow

AXA's branches across Asia are developing leadership courses such as Thailand's self-defence classes and lndonesia's leadership programmes. 

While the Executive Centre organises networking events, professional seminars, and webinars to showcase female leaders. Additionally, the office space provider partners with various NGOs such as Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide

Physical perks

The Executive Centre has installed nursing rooms and wellness room in every office. 

"We don’t just want to create a space for work, we want to create a space that uplifts the people. So gender equality has always been at the forefront of our company culture since our founding in 1994," Zhu said. 

Competitive parental leave policy

Globally, Axa offers a 16-week paid leave for the primary parent and four-week paid leave for the co-parent. The initiative also applies to same-sex and adoptive families.

READ MORE about this year's International Women's Day: 

Happy International Women's Day 2021: Wishes for the year ahead

IWD: Leaders in HK pledge support to accelerate gender equality

Q&A with JLL's chair of diversity and inclusion Wendy Chan

FedEx president Kawal Preet showcases how her team elevates D&I

Photo/ Planoly Blog