#IWD2023: Creating a gender-inclusive workplace

In this exclusive IWD feature, HRM Asia speaks with Lee Minjoo, Head of Marketing, Deliveroo Singapore, as she discusses the challenges and opportunities for women in the workplace, and her advice for aspiring female leaders.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your responsibilities at Deliveroo

As Head of Marketing at Deliveroo Singapore, I oversee all activities related to brand, marketing and partnership, and spearhead strategies and implementation. I am also part of the core management at Deliveroo Singapore, giving me opportunities to build a high performing team. I believe in creating a culture of ownership with coaching support. In my team, regardless of gender and the levels or nature of the roles, everyone is involved in understanding the business challenges, competitor activities and taking initiative in bringing their thoughts and solutions to the table.

How has Deliveroo embraced gender equality and address challenges faced by female employees?

We have launched initiatives such as a Spotlight On series featuring female role models and an internal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) page to celebrate our diverse employees. Aside from that, Deliveroo Singapore has an employee-led gender equality committee that promotes and leads initiatives for a more gender-inclusive environment, for employees at all stages of their careers and personal lives. We also take pride in other day-to-day operational activities such as unconscious bias training and inclusive recruiting and offer global programmes such as Accelerate for high-potential female employees and panel discussions on the power of mentorship for women.

How can technology play a role in creating equal opportunities for women in the workplace?

New technologies and innovation have created jobs for women in Singapore and beyond, including in the traditionally male-dominated tech industry where female leaders from diverse backgrounds are increasingly recognised. It is encouraging to see more women stepping up without conforming to stereotypes. As an Asian woman from a non-native English-speaking country, this progress towards gender equity in the workplace gives me hope, though there is still more work to be done.

What inspires you to support and empower women to take up leadership roles?

Empowerment from great leaders has been one of the key reasons for allowing me to unleash my potential, and my aim is to do the same to help grow fellow female members in my team. I have always been passionate in creating an unbiased, nurturing working environment, and conscious about assessing and treating my team members and colleagues fairly. Exploring opportunities that potentially allow my female team members to showcase their leadership and take on more senior or bigger responsibilities has also been a way for me to take part in gender equity.

With #EmbraceEquity being the theme of IWD this year, what is your message to organisations when it comes to creating inclusive work cultures?

I hope to see more empowering opportunities for capable females to take on significant roles and senior positions, as traditionally held by males. It is important for us to have diverse and inclusive representation in these leadership roles as this sets a good example and benchmark for the working culture across the organisation. Only with nurturing, empathetic working environment can we continuously move towards a future that holistically celebrates DE&I. 

International Women’s Day Features:

Empower all individuals to embrace equity – Gillian Tan, COO, Jebsen & Jessen Packaging

Inclusion should be a mindset for everyone – Evelyn Tay, VP of Comms, Sustainability and Public Affairs, foodpanda

Uncovering bias the first step for inclusive workplaces – Alyssa Wang, Human Resources Director, Asia-Pacific, ADM

Ensuring equity and respect for all employees – Shylaja Bhat, Director HR Business Partner – Platform Foundation, HERE Technologies

Technology holds the key to achieving gender equity – Aisha Islam, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Solutions Centre, Mastercard

Embracing equity and equality as cultural cornerstones – Patsy Ng, Vice President for Human Resources – Asia-Pacific, Hilton

Achieve gender equity by acknowledging the roles women play – Koh Yan Ping, CEO, Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)