goodbusiness

18 | prevue magazine

Picture caption

“We know that more women graduate from top universities than men, yet they hold fewer positions of responsibility in companies—

diverse teams are more innovative and efficient.”

Despite making up roughly 60 percent of the hospitality workforce, inequality still runs rampant for many women in travel and tourism. Although easily claiming roles as

meeting and event planners, the glass ceiling becomes increasingly visible at the managerial level, a statistic that Accor is doing its part to change.

Considered part of a larger sustainable development initiative, the hotel group is striving for a 50/50 women-to-men ratio of hotel managers across all brands worldwide. It’s a bold ambition at a time when current projections on workplace equality place female managers across all industries somewhere around 20 percent. Sophie Stabile, Accor’s global chief financial officer, says adding more women to the mix is not only good business it’s sustainable business.

“We know that more women graduate from top universities than men, yet they hold fewer positions of responsibility in companies—diverse teams are more innovative and efficient.” Accor’s only female COO in Europe, Caro van Eekelen, adds the idea that diversity isn’t limited to gender.

“A team made up of people of different ages can have combined benefits. For example, the younger generation may have a better command of new technologies and the older generation could have a better understanding of a well-anchored corporate culture.”

Stabile spearheads Women at Accor Generation, a network that fosters mentoring, training, idea sharing and the overall empowerment of women seeking managerial positions. Since launching in 2012, the network has gained 2,500 members, male and female, across five continents. Nine leaders in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America, Southern Europe, Northern, Eastern and Central Europe, and France develop initiatives that are tailored to local issues.

As the fight against stereotypes is often a universal obstacle for career-driven women, Stabile says the construct of the network is really about helping women see their own worth, or “to give them confidence in their potential” beyond these social and cultural “norms.”

Accor’s signing of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) is one case in point. As an initiative of UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact, the WEPs define seven touch points that foster the empowerment of women in the workplace, the marketplace and the community. In case you’re wondering, the idea of elevating women into managerial positions and beyond is principle No. 1. Beyond this, however, is a guide that really testifies to the need for the dismantling of stereotypes—going beyond ideas of “male” and “female” into a realm of “human” and the overall reassessment of gender roles as they relate to gender disparity.

The principles call for nondiscrimination and equality among men and women. They also call for accountability—all members must measure and publically report on progress, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do depending on where you hang your hat. For instance, one mid-sized Israeli fashion company became the first of its kind after voluntarily publicizing a social and environmental responsibility report that reflected its commitment to gender equality.

Eekelen says the primary reason she decided to join the Woman at Accor Generation network, and later become a mentor, was to convey to her female colleagues an idea that she also had to learn: “Women should have no inhibitions about being mothers and working at the same time.”—Johnalee Johnston

accor.com; weprinciples.org

Accor’s Stance on Gender Equality ExpandsUndermining outdated social norms is only half the fun

Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa

A Meliá Hotels International Brand.

Discover the pleasure of effortless meeting success at Paradisus Resorts, on the powdery

white-sands of the Mexican Caribbean and Dominican Republic. Each of our resorts offers

generous, � exible event space allowing for maximum versatility in accommodating functions

of any size. Work with our accomplished team of event planners to design the perfect

wedding, business meeting, convention or gala to suit your needs and budget. At Paradisus

Resorts, budgeting is easy because everything is included, all in one price.

The Pure Freedom to Just Be

A la carte restaurants and bars focused on the highest quality food, service, and décor

provide guests with an unrivaled culinary experience • All suite accommodations • Royal

Service is the adults only option for travelers craving a little more attention, pampering,

and privacy • YHI Spa • Family Concierge • Beachfront locations

Contact your Regional Director of Sales, call 888.33.MELIA, e-mail meetings@sol-group.com

or visit PARADISUS.COM

C O S T A R I C A ( 2 0 1 6 ) I D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C I M E X I C O

PRDS-326 Meetings Ad 040115.indd 1 4/1/15 3:05 PM