In a groundbreaking collaboration, Forbes magazine has joined forces with market research firm Statista to unveil the highly anticipated 2023 ranking of the world’s foremost companies for women. This prestigious list is a testament to the commitment of these businesses towards women’s empowerment, offering flexible work schedules, parental leave options, and robust skill development initiatives.
Making history in the fashion industry, Marks & Spencer has earned the distinction of being the first company within this sector to secure a coveted position in the esteemed ranking. Following closely on its heels, the Swedish fashion giant H&M, boasting an impressive workforce of 106,522 individuals, secured a noteworthy sixth position, while Intersport clinched the eighth spot. Adidas and the PHV group further solidified the fashion industry’s presence in the rankings, claiming the tenth and twenty-seventh positions, respectively. Zalando, a prominent player in the e-commerce landscape, secured a commendable 35th position.
The luxury segment made its mark, with iconic brand Chanel securing the 65th position, closely followed by Gap. The first luxury company to grace the list is the renowned French brand owned by the Wertheimer brothers. Hermès, another illustrious French luxury brand, earned the 81st position, adding to the array of esteemed names recognized for their commitment to women’s empowerment.
This comprehensive ranking stems from surveys conducted with nearly 70,000 women employed by multinational corporations across an expansive 37 countries. The evaluation criteria encompassed a thorough assessment of general workplace practices, gender-related considerations such as pay equity and the handling of employee discrimination cases, and a nuanced examination of whether men and women enjoy equal opportunities for career advancement. Beyond these criteria, participants were asked a pivotal question: whether they would recommend their employer to friends or family, capturing the essence of workplace satisfaction and advocacy.
Beyond being a recognition of companies committed to fostering inclusive and empowering workplaces for women, this ranking stands as a testament to the collective voice of female employees globally, reflecting their experiences and aspirations within the professional sphere. As we navigate the evolving landscape of corporate culture, these rankings serve as a compass, guiding both companies and employees towards a future where diversity, equality, and empowerment are at the forefront of organizational values.
