Meat Business Women’s latest report, titled ‘Gender Representation in the Meat Industry 2023’, unveils encouraging progress in the sector. According to the report, 63% of industry workers believe that perceptions about the meat industry are shifting, and opportunities are becoming more prominent compared to 2020.
The study reveals a remarkable 3% increase in women taking up chief executive roles since 2020, while the number of women in board-level positions has risen by 9%. However, the overall percentage of women in the industry experienced a slight decline, with a 4% reduction in women occupying unskilled roles.
Researchers noted that organizations classified as “best-in-class” have initiated partnerships with educational institutions, community groups, and employment services. This strategy aims to reshape public perception of the industry and make opportunities within the meat business more visible and accessible to individuals in entry-level positions, thereby encouraging them to pursue careers in this field.
Despite these positive developments, the sector still faces challenges in terms of publicizing itself effectively, resulting in a lack of awareness among potential candidates about the available opportunities. Laura Ryan, Founder and Global Chair of Meat Business Women, emphasizes the need to continue attracting women at all levels to achieve better representation within the industry, aligning with the industry’s customer base and society.
Ryan further points out that men and women perceive the barriers facing women in the meat industry differently, emphasizing the importance of addressing these diverse perspectives in order to foster an inclusive and thriving environment.
In a bid to transform the industry’s perception, Meat Business Women launched the ‘She Looks Like Me’ campaign on a global scale. This initiative was accompanied by a series of videos exploring the various roles women occupy within the meat industry.
While progress towards gender inclusion has been made, Ryan urges the industry to maintain its determination for change, expanding the scope of inclusion efforts to create an environment where everyone can flourish.
“The data indicates a growing gap between the best and worst businesses when it comes to inclusion. This issue requires collective action, presenting an immense opportunity for pre-competitive collaboration to establish best practices and key workforce policies,” says Ryan, emphasizing the importance of industry-wide cooperation.
In related news, Food Manufacture recently highlighted some notable appointments within the food and drink industry.
Overall, the findings of the report are encouraging, showcasing industry advancements towards greater gender inclusion. However, there is still work to be done in order to ensure a truly representative and thriving business landscape in the food manufacturing sector.