For many organizations, Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity through events and campaigns. But creating an inclusive workplace goes beyond a single month on the calendar. It requires consistent action, supportive policies, and a culture where employees feel respected and empowered every day.
This is the approach embraced by Unilever Philippines, which continues to strengthen its commitment to workplace inclusion through employee-led initiatives, inclusive benefits, and programs that support LGBTQ+ employees and their allies throughout the year.
Unilever Philippines Launches the ProUd Network Locally
To mark the start of its Pride Month activities, Unilever Philippines introduced its local ProUd Network, the company's global Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ employees and allies.
The launch took place during Proud of U: Diversity & Allyship in the Workplace, an employee engagement event designed to encourage open conversations about diversity, allyship, and belonging.
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The gathering featured inspiring discussions with journalist Baus Rufo, drag performer Eva Le Queen, media personality KaladKaren, and Unilever employee panelists, who shared personal experiences highlighting how everyday acts of allyship can help create safer and more inclusive workplaces.
Building Allyship Through Community
Since its global launch in 2018, the ProUd Network has expanded to more than 1,300 members across 20 local chapters worldwide.
The network provides employees with a safe space to connect, share experiences, learn from one another, and advocate for workplace equality. It also helps strengthen a culture where diversity is recognized as an important part of organizational growth and innovation.
According to Richard Velasquez, ProUd Network Champion at Unilever Philippines, the initiative reflects meaningful progress while acknowledging that inclusion is an ongoing journey.
"While the journey toward fully inclusive workplaces is far from complete, especially in a global organization as diverse as Unilever, the ProUd Network demonstrates that meaningful strides have been made and that there is a strong foundation on which to build."
Inclusion Goes Beyond Workplace Events
Unilever Philippines also extended its Pride celebration beyond the office by joining thousands of participants at the LoveLaban Pride Festival in Quezon City.
Employees took part in the event alongside Cream Silk, which participated in the annual Pride march with a colorful float joined by Eva Le Queen and content creator Sophie Prime.
The participation reflected the company's broader commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ communities both inside and outside the workplace.
Inclusive Policies That Support Employees Every Day
Beyond celebrations and awareness campaigns, Unilever Philippines has embedded inclusion into its day-to-day workplace practices.
Among its initiatives are:
- Gender-neutral uniforms in manufacturing facilities
- Gender-neutral restrooms in office locations
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Up to 150 days of fully paid maternity leave
- Up to 20 working days of fully paid paternity leave for eligible employees, which can be taken consecutively or in separate periods
These policies aim to create a work environment that accommodates the diverse needs of employees while promoting equal opportunities across the organization.
Supporting Gender Transition in the Workplace
One of the company's notable initiatives is its Gender Transition Guidelines and Policy, which provides practical guidance for employees, managers, and HR teams during an employee's gender transition.
The program includes personalized transition support plans designed to help ensure dignity, respect, and continuity throughout the process, reflecting the company's commitment to creating a supportive workplace for all employees.
Creating a Culture of Belonging
According to Geeta Royyuru, HR Head of Unilever Philippines and B&W Southeast Asia HR Lead, inclusion is closely connected to the Filipino value of malasakit, or genuine care for others.
"At Unilever Philippines, inclusion is rooted in the Filipino value of malasakit. By celebrating Pride, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and free to be their authentic selves. We are proud to see this commitment reflected in the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders across our business, whose presence is an example of how authenticity and inclusion can inspire people and drive organizational success."
Her message highlights how workplace diversity is not only about representation but also about creating an environment where employees feel safe to contribute, grow professionally, and succeed as their authentic selves.
Year-Round Allyship
As conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to evolve, more companies are recognizing that meaningful allyship extends far beyond Pride Month.
Employee communities, inclusive workplace policies, and supportive leadership all contribute to building organizations where people from different backgrounds feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Through initiatives like the ProUd Network and its employee-focused policies, Unilever Philippines continues to demonstrate how inclusion can become part of everyday workplace culture, helping employees thrive while fostering a more welcoming and equitable environment for everyone.