Diversity & Inclusion

Explicit or implicit biases are present in every work environment, they can vary widely across geographies and cultures, and they often result from a complex combination of traditional power structures, categorisations of economic or ethnic class, and attitudes toward gender. Prohibiting any form of discrimination is the necessary framework for creating work opportunities and career advancement.

Measuring Progress

Whether it’s within our organisation, or across our supply chain, we recognise the importance and value of diversity. Internally we have established our Inclusion, Diversity and Quality Council of Olam (IDEO) to help embed equality, openness and belonging. In our supply chain, we’re addressing regional and cultural barriers to improve farmer livelihoods, particularly for female farmers, young people and minority groups.

Read more about some of the activities we undertook last year in our latest annual report.

Equal Opportunities

The IDEO was established to help create a working environment where every employee feels welcome and a sense of belonging, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, age or religious beliefs. Creating this environment will make Olam more resilient and attractive for both current employees and individuals considering joining us.

A New Buzz in Ghana

With the German development agency GIZ, we have distributed beehives, protective equipment, honey presses and delivered training to women in cashew farming communities in Ghana. The hives increase cashew yields through pollination and create alternative income for over 2,000 women. We continue to promote financial inclusion and create economic opportunities for farming communities.

Voices for Change

Voices for Change is a global Olam initiative to understand barriers to engagement and success for female colleagues across the organisation. 68 focus groups of mixed employees shared their views and experiences over 2021. The findings are being used to review policies and working practices, and launch progressive policies.

Home Maker to Home Builder

In the Republic of Congo our ‘Home Maker to Home Builder’ project offers women training in construction, and a full-time job on completion. They are able to support their families and local communities.

Some of our initiatives include

Our Fair Employment Policy that covers our operations for all forms of diversity
Dedicated training sessions and support for female farmers, with gender reporting by product supply chain
Our Supplier Code, which stipulates third-party suppliers “encourage gender equality, equal access and empowerment of women”.

Our Codes and Policies