HSBC, Walmart and Deloitte join hands to support the advancement of women’s leadership in Southern China

Published: 5 June 2017

HSBC, Walmart and Deloitte have joined forces to launch the Network of Executive Women Cross-Organisation Mentorship Program ("NEW") which aims to promote gender diversity in the local marketplace through providing support towards the development and advancement of future women leaders within the Southern China business community.

Over 100 participants including mentors and mentees are expected to benefit from this program which is being piloted in 2017, and aims to increase gender diversity at leadership levels, enhance visibility of women leaders and provide personalised guidance to high-potential female talent as they realise their personal and career development goals.

The organisations hope that the program will provide a forum for like-minded participants to develop a trusted network, enabling mentees to learn from established role models whilst providing an opportunity for mentors to flex their leadership skills and leverage lessons learned throughout their careers, in an effort to elevate the status women in the workplace through a synergistic approach.

As a founding signatory of the UN Global Compact, co-developer of the Women’s Empowerment Principles and signatory of the CEO Statement of Support, Deloitte has made significant efforts globally in the advancement and empowerment of women in the workplace, marketplace and community. "In Deloitte China, female colleagues account for 60 percent of the firm’s talent pool and 40% of the partners are females.  We have a long tradition and have many programs to nurture our woman colleagues. 'Woman of Impact Initiative' is to enhance Confidence of woman to unleash our full potential and be the best of us.  The NEW program launched today is a key milestone of our Deloitte Woman of Impact initiative in Deloitte China, said Vivian Jiang, Deputy CEO, and Woman of Impact Leader of Deloitte China. "We are partnering with HSBC and Walrmart to introduce this program because it is aligned with our firm’s commitment to support the empowerment of women to make a positive impact in the business community," said Joanna Wong, Deloitte's NEW program sponsor.

The program will run over 12 months and encompass participants across Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Mentors will include both female and male senior leaders from HSBC, Walmart and Deloitte, who will be matched with high performing female colleagues from participating organisations, who have a strong aspiration for career success.

"Unlike traditional internal mentorship programs a distinguishing feature of NEW is the cross-organisation matching process, where mentees and mentors are matched from different organisations, this approach means mentors are able to provide mentees with a fresh perspective on how to tackle challenges and forge ahead in their careers. It also speaks to the high level of trust these organisations have in each other, to guide and mentor our high potential talent", said Dewi Dallaway, a Deloitte mentor.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Deloitte and Walmart to create opportunities and support to female employees so they can progress in their careers. At HSBC, we are committed to providing an open, supportive, and inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and achieve their potential. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion helps us attract, develop, and retain the best employees and it brings benefits for our customers, our business, and our people," said Kathleen Gan, Chief Financial Officer Asia Pacific, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.

"Developing and advancing women leaders is an integral part of Walmart’s global diversity and inclusion strategy. We have made relentless efforts in cultivation and advancement of female associates and executives. In China, over 60% of our associates and about 42% of our management are female. Walmart has twice the rate of female corporate officers comparing with the Fortune 500 average. We are delighted to join hands with Deloitte and HSBC to support the empowerment of women in the South China region." - Dawn Ptak, Vice President & Controller, Walmart China.

"The mentorship program is a great platform to learn from people who, through years of experience, possess a wealth of knowledge and insight. It is a privilege to be a mentee in this program and I would like to absorb as much as I can from the conversations that I will be having. I am eager to ask questions, and hope that I pick up skills that would be valuable in the future. I will also take the opportunity to learn about myself, as my mentor may see things that can be improved about the way I work." Lau Fung Yin Fanny, Senior Recovery and Resolution Planning (RRP) Manager, HSBC.

Throughout the year, participants will be invited to take part in various activities and workshops which address a wide range of career-related topics, such as professional development, work-life balance, heath and family commitments and societal impact. There is an ambition to grow the program in the future, both in terms of geography and participating organisations, and such progress will be determined based on the successful role the 2017 pilot program.