Hershey India Celebrates Women Empowerment

In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child, and as an extension of Hershey’s international #HerforSHE campaign, Hershey India has declared additional programming and continued non-profit support to further recognise, honour and uplift women and girls in India and around the world. 

“At Hershey, we understand the power of inclusivity, equity and diversity and believe we have an important role in recognising and empowering diverse voices around the world,” says Michele Buck, CEO, The Hershey Company. 

He further adds, “On this day when we celebrate young women and girls all over the world –and every day - we are committed to helping them harness their potential and giving them a platform to achieve their dreams. By providing access to opportunities and resources, we’re also helping build a workforce of the future that reflects the global landscape and creates a more inclusive world.”  

As part of the campaign, the company has debuted new digital Hershey Bar design Giphy stickers inspired by the 2022 #HerforShe campaign’s transformation of the iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar packaging into a celebration of women changemakers.  

Hershey fans are encouraged to use the digital stickers to share inspiring stories of the young women and girls in their lives making an impact. Throughout the campaign, Hershey India will celebrate all of the stories of the young women and girls shared by reposting select content to its channels to inspire others.  

The stickers are available on Giphy by searching “girlhero.” 

“Gender equity has been a longstanding central focus for our company and a passion point for our employees, especially in India” mentions Ankit Desai, Marketing Director, Hershey India 

Adding to this, he further tells “We are committed to telling the stories of women and girls through our brands that reach so many. While women and girls across India are making an incredible impact where they live and work, it, unfortunately, can go unnoticed. Our hope is that through our programming for International Day of the Girl Child, we are not only celebrating the greatness of women and young girls but continuing to elevate their voices because when we elevate them, they elevate their communities.”  

As part of its celebration of this occasion, Hershey also announces a new company-wide program called ‘Future CEO,’ which will come to life in India, the US, and five additional international markets. Through the program, the company will offer hands-on education to young women to provide the skills, tools and mentorship needed to succeed.  

While the initial phases of the program will kick off immediately, alongside additional Hershey international leaders’ and employees’ support in an existing Girl Up mentorship program, the educational components will culminate in March surrounding International Women’s Day via a virtual event hosted by Hershey’s CEO Michele Buck and additional women leaders. 

To bring the program to life, Hershey is partnering with non-profit organisations Girl Up and Girls on the Run over the next several months to identify the participants - driven, passionate young girls whom others can look up to and who have the potential and drive to become one of the next great female leaders in business.

The program will work with the non-profit partners to identify 10 total participants, including one in India. Each participant will also receive a scholarship to further their education and develop their leadership skills.  

With 48 per cent of Hershey’s workforce comprised of women, carving a path for young women and girls is non-negotiable. But the company knows it can’t do it alone. To make a lasting impact and influence outside its own walls, Hershey will continue to support Girl Up, a non-profit committed to advancing girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders, for the remainder of this year through its ongoing mentorship program and into 2023 as a key partner for the ‘Future CEO’ program.  

"Girl Up is thrilled to be in partnership with Hershey and contribute to the success of their exciting new 'Future CEO' program," comments Girl Up Executive Director, Melissa Kilby. "The world needs new solutions and new leadership now. And with the right training, tools and platforms, we can reach empowered girl changemakers around the world and support them to become the innovative, inclusive, and intentional leaders of a better tomorrow."