PepsiCo recognizing female frontline workers in International Women's Day campaign

In time for International Women’s Day, food and beverage giant PepsiCo has launched a new campaign in recognition of women who work in frontline roles in its markets around the world.

Under the campaign called “She is PepsiCo”, the company is rebranding company's trucks with the names and faces of honorees. 

Through the campaign, the company is aiming to celebrate and empower women.

"This is the third year we're honoring PBNA's exemplary frontline women through She is PepsiCo and I'm always moved by the individual career journeys of the honorees and the important role they each play in our business — making, moving and selling our products," said Andrea Ferrara, chief human resource officer, PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA).

"Our business truly relies on excellence in these frontline roles. I am proud that PBNA creates these unique moments of recognition to help drive belonging for all our employees, making a large company feel small."

One of the workers the company is honoring is Sterling Graham, who joined PepsiCo’s Orillia, Ontario team as a merchandiser in 2019. 

She “set her sights on completing a PepsiCo-sponsored Class AZ commercial driver's license course,” said the company. “Today, she's one of PepsiCo's drivers and a dedicated team member who ensures that PepsiCo beverages are delivered to stores and customers.”

More than three in four women across the world have experienced ageism throughout their careers, according to a previous report.

She is PepsiCo campaign attracts workers

The She is PepsiCo campaign has helped the company increase its female workforce numbers since its launch, according to the employer.

Specifically, female applicants for frontline roles at PBNA have increased by 6% since 2022. 

Also, 210 PBNA sites saw reduced turnover by 10 percent. And, in the past two years, more than 800 frontline associates were promoted to supervisory roles.

"Getting more women to apply for frontline roles isn't just beneficial for the employees, their families and the communities where we operate — it's also important to our business," said Becky Schmitt, chief human resource officer, PepsiCo.

"PepsiCo wants women to clearly see the career opportunities that are available to them and hear from the women who are thriving in frontline careers, and beyond. We hope people who see these trucks in markets around the world will be inspired to apply for a role at PepsiCo."

Recently, PepsiCo announced a hiring campaign to fill more than 800 seasonal jobs in Canada.

Calls to action International Women’s Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day.

Ottawa’s theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Invest in women: Accelerate progress.

“It’s a call to action and a reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities,” said the federal government.

“We all have a role to play in building a future where everyone can reach their full potential. It is time to act – because women’s success is everyone’s success.”

Overall, women are more likely to be loyal to their employers. However, just 56% of women feel their company provides ample opportunities for career growth, compared to 72% of men, according to a previous Robert Half report.

Meanwhile, human rights group Amnesty International is calling for united action to promote gender equality this International Women’s Day.

“International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration – it’s a global day for us to come together as powerful allies who strive towards achieving true gender equality worldwide,” it said. “No matter how you choose to recognize this day, remember that every action counts towards creating a better future for all women everywhere!”