The Power Of Inclusion
The FMCG sector and R&D go hand in hand. The fast-paced nature of the consumer goods sector demands agility and swiftness, and therefore R&D plays a pivotal role in driving innovation aligned with evolving consumer demands. The industry has seen a shift over the years with women making significant strides and contributions in the field of science. This shift not only reflects a more inclusive approach but also brings diverse perspectives that enrich the industry's innovation pipeline. The societal perceptions and industry norms have progressed, paving the way for women to excel in STEM. Today, women are increasingly visible in R&D teams, leading pioneering projects and driving technological advancements in the FMCG sector.
Being raised in a family of STEM professionals ignited a deep-seated determination to chart my own career path within this field. I'm thrilled to witness the evolution of opportunities over the years, especially with expanded access to education and breaking down gender stereotypes. There is a growing dedicated interest among policymakers regarding the entry and retention of women in STEM. The government support in the form of grants and initiatives for more inclusion of women has been commendable.
In the past, the purview of STEM fields was often restricted to careers in engineering, medicine and computer science. We have come a long way since then and the awareness of roles have expanded significantly in the present Bharat, encompassing a wide range of disciplines such as biotechnology, environmental science, data analytics, and even fields like culinary science within the FMCG sector. Within the FMCG sector itself, women can now pursue careers in R&D, product development, quality assurance, packaging, marketing analytics, and consumer insights, among others.
The role of corporates in encouraging women across industries is utmost vital. Organisations need to empower women with flexibilities and supportive policies in time of critical life stages and circumstances. When I joined Marico, I was proud to see over 50% women in the R&D department, highlighting the organisation's commitment to diversity that extends beyond gender and includes persons with disabilities. One of the key reasons behind this is the constant effort of the company to create a supportive workplace environment through inclusive policies and practices such as flexible work location policy, caregiving polices, unlimited sick leaves, no attendance tracking and a holistic well-being program. Career breaks have been another challenge for women in the corporate world and organisations like Marico have been frontrunners in welcoming both men and women with long breaks of over a year and more. A culture of trust, social security and ownership make for a favourable ecosystem for women to reach their full potential.
The journey of women in R&D reflects a broader narrative of progress and inclusivity within STEM fields. As barriers continue to be dismantled and opportunities expand, women are increasingly making their mark as innovators, leaders, and change-makers. The commitment to diversity and inclusion exhibited by companies not only fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration but also drives tangible results in terms of product innovation.
Doctor Shilpa Vora is the Chief R&D Officer and is a part of the executive committee at Marico Limited. She joined Marico in 2022 and brings with her over 24 years of professional experience in R&D across categories such as Personal Care, Beverages and Home Care.
