en
Inspiring companies to drive value through inclusivity is part of our mission as a pioneer in Diversity and Inclusion. In that regard, we are proud to announce that we are the first Belgian company to receive the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification from WEConnect International.
The WBE certification demonstrates that a company is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by women. As a business and an employer that values diversity and inclusion, we believe this certification shows just how committed we are to this cause. Our intention is to be an inspiration to others. We want companies to become more inclusive by giving women and other minority groups, more opportunities. We want companies to empower women and confirm that they have what it takes to assume leading roles in business.
While logistics is often considered a man’s world, we believe that our sector should be open to all, regardless of gender, origin, or abilities. Only then will we be able to provide positive answers to the business and societal challenges of tomorrow. With Hilde Essers as Chair of the Board, we have a leader and owner who proves that logistics is not just for men. In addition, we offer women the same opportunities to grow and pursue a career as their male colleagues and we take great care to ensure that H.Essers is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Indeed, diversity and inclusion are embedded in the core values that guide everything we do.
A certified Women-Owned Business
To further underscore our commitment to social responsibility, it was our goal to obtain the Women’s Business Enterprise certification from WEConnect International. This is a global network active in 150 countries that connects Women-Owned companies to over 180 global member buyers that seek to do business with suppliers that are female-run, diverse and inclusive. Among the buyers are many of the world’s leading players in their respective industries.
Partner collaboration
“Supplier diversity is an integral component of Dow’s Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. In Dow we are committed to promote diversity and inclusion within our supply chain and grow our diverse spend year over year. We are thrilled that one of our strategic partners H.Essers, has been certified as a Woman- Owned Business. We strongly believe that this will benefit both of our companies, as it will not only provide support to our local communities, but it will facilitate overcoming today’s logistic challenges such as labour shortage and closing the gender gap. Congratulations to Hilde Essers and her entire team! It was a great pleasure to collaborate with you and WEConnect International.” Says Ania Haddaoui, Strategic Sourcing Manager and EMEAI Supplier Diversity Sponsor Lead.
Pioneering spirit
“With our key position in European global value chains and as an employer with a significant workforce across Europe, we firmly believe we should embrace diversity and act in a socially responsible way. For our people, but also to set an example. The WBE certification is proof of our commitment to positive change. Moreover, it indicates that we share the same values as our customers and the member buyers of WEConnect International. We are proud to be the first Belgian company to receive this certification, but we hope that we won’t be the last. Indeed, we hope to inspire others to also embrace diversity and inclusion. Because we believe that companies that do so are better suited to tackle the societal and economic challenges that lie ahead and lead us to a better future,” says Hilde Essers.
