This year’s International Women’s Day has the potential to be a watershed moment. Typically an opportunity for businesses to highlight their year-long commitment to diversity and inclusion, this year the message feels somewhat different
Rather than celebrating the progress made, many companies – both within the grocery sector and more generally – are treading more cautiously. Set against the backdrop of the US “war” against diversity, equity and inclusion programmes, it is interesting to see how Trump’s anti-woke agenda – with major companies such as Walmart backpedalling on their DEI initiatives – will influence the UK.
While some brands will continue to proactively fight for fairer business policies and representation, many others are likely to take a step back from their previous activity, hoping to attract as little attention as possible by doing so as they prioritise self-preservation over genuine progress. But that is not how change is delivered.
Fittingly, this year’s theme calls for action to “unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all”, creating a “feminist future where no one is left behind”.
In the UK grocery sector, female representation – at both board level and elsewhere – is continuing to improve, with British businesses leading the way in increasing women’s representation at senior levels. According to the FTSE Women Leaders Review, which digs down into the gender diversity of the executive teams at the UK’s leading companies, women hold 43% of board roles and 35% of leadership positions at FTSE 350 companies.
Grocery retailers and suppliers featured high on the ranking – with drinks giant Diageo taking the top spot and M&S coming in sixth place, while Associated British Food, Tesco and Sainsbury’s all made it to the top 50. Co-op took top spot in the Top 50 Private Companies list, with Morrisons in seventh place.
But with true global gender equity still approximately five generations away, and in light of concerns of backpedalling on commitments across the pond, there is still much to be done.
We asked some of grocery’s female leaders to share their take on gender equality in 2025, explaining they are ”not superheroes” and why UK businesses must “lead by example”.
Clodagh Moriarty | chief retail and technology officer, Sainsbury’s
“Gender equity, as with any equity, isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact that comes from ensuring women have the right support, resources, and opportunities to thrive in the workplace.
“One of our core values is to Be Human. For us, that means treating others how you’d want to be treated – engaging in a way where everyone feels supported, valued and able to reach their full potential but critically creating an environment where everyone can be themselves and recognising how absolutely brilliant it is when we all show up that way.
“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, is a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when we keep pushing forward. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team where half of our senior leadership are women, who take action every day to support our female colleagues, wherever they are.
“Together, we’re building a workplace where, as a result, everyone can succeed, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Elise Seibold | chief operating officer, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I
”In today’s business landscape, authentic leadership is more important than ever. I really want to challenge the idea that senior leaders are perfect, or able to expertly balance personal and professional life all the time.We’re not superheroes.
“We are all flawed and every morning we walk into the office with our good and our bad. I’ve worked under some brilliant leaders throughout my career that have role modelled this for me and I try to do the same. I think it’s really important our employees see this vulnerability, particularly women, as it can be transformative to self confidence and career ambition.
“Women also often have a different approach to their careers compared to men. While many barriers still exist, one of the challenges I’ve certainly experienced is around managing my own self-limitation. I’ve been lucky to have mentors and managers who always believed in my potential and gave me a chance even if I didn’t believe it myself.
“I’ve always been ambitious and open with my managers about where I wanted my career to go, but always had a part of me questioning how ready I was. So I’d say to any woman ever doubting if she is good enough for a role, you need to blindly believe that if someone is giving you an opportunity, you can absolutely make it happen.
“Nobody is ever 100% ready for a step up, but that’s all part of the process and you may find that you’re actually a lot closer than you think.”
Kate McCrae | operations director, Co-op
“As a woman, proudly coming from a lower socioeconomic background, I feel immense pride and responsibility in the role I’m in today. On International Women’s Day, I am reflecting on the importance of fostering real diversity in leadership teams and how crucial this is to a business’s success.
“I’m blessed to work in an organisation with strong female role models who inspire me daily, and I’ve seen first hand the power of sharing our stories and backgrounds with one another. You can only be what you can see, so it can be transformational for women to empower each other.
“Senior positions come with the responsibility to use our roles and lived experiences to impact other women positively. I’m incredibly passionate about helping aspiring female leaders in the grocery sector – it’s about taking actionable steps, not just words, which create a lasting impact and help to nurture people and create opportunities.
“At Co-op, we’ve implemented deliberate initiatives such as women-in-leadership programmes to foster diversity, and it’s promising to see results with many talented women rising through the ranks. We’re making real progress and there’s still lots to achieve.
“I strongly believe diverse teams are the most successful teams and, although we are focusing on gender today, I’m relentless about the importance of setting the right standard for people across all diversity attributes.”
Maddy Wilson | director of own brand, Waitrose
“I’m lucky at the partnership where we have good representation of female leaders, especially in the commercial directorate led by Charlotte Di Cello. However, there are difficulties in achieving equality in the sector.
“We need representation at board level and throughout the sector, it provides inspiration to other women on their abilities to progress within an organisation and the opportunities of development are there to be strived for and obtained as they can see others achieving the progression.
“Female leadership can bring a diverse perspective, we can advocate for a better work-life balance, encourage collaboration and inclusivity. Businesses can encourage mentoring programmes, education and skill development to help women advance in their careers; actively support work-life balance; encourage and support women in STEM/male dominated fields to thrive and advocate policies promoting gender equality in the workplace.
“There’s lots of work to do but businesses need to lead by example and not just talk about it.”
Julie Ashfield | chief commercial officer, Aldi
“As someone who has always been passionate about creating inclusive and equal opportunities, I firmly believe that a truly diverse workforce is essential to our success at Aldi. Equality in the workplace is not just about doing what’s right, it’s about unlocking the full potential of our people.
“Ultimately, a diverse workforce drives better decisions, stronger teams, and a more successful business.
“I’m incredibly proud that by the end of 2025, Aldi’s Board will be majority female – a milestone that reflects our commitment to real change. We’re also focused on growing the pipeline of future leaders through mentoring, training and development programmes, and through creating an inclusive culture where everyone, regardless of their gender, background, or any other factor, can thrive.
“I’m committed to continuing this journey, working to embed equality, fairness, and opportunity at the heart of everything we do.”
Emma Taylor | chief people officer, Tesco
“In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Tesco is highlighting its continued commitment to supporting female-led businesses through its accelerator programme, with a number of brands available to shop in selected Tesco stores and online.
“Everyone’s welcome at Tesco and we believe in celebrating and supporting women every day, including through some of the great work of our Gender Equality Network.
“It’s also important that whilst meeting the needs of our customers, we take the opportunity to spotlight women and diverse founders through our buying teams and our Accelerator Programme.
“It’s great to see some of the great female-led businesses share their stories this International Women’s Day and we hope to continue bringing even more into our stores.”
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