On 8th March 2009, Carlsberg’s CIPL brewery at Aurangabad in India celebrated International Women’s Day to raise awareness amongst all employees of women’s rights locally and across the globe.
The need to mark this occasion has never been more important. As well as recognizing pioneers in women’s rights, International Women’s Day celebrates the economic, social, cultural and political achievements made by women in recent years.
The origins of the event can be traced as far back as 1908 when women garment makers in New York demonstrated to demand better working conditions and recognition. The appalling environment they worked in and the pitiful wages they received were a notorious example of the exploitation and suffering women workers experienced at the time and tragically continue to endure to this day.
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
At Carlsberg CIPL we invited all women employees and their partners to join with us in the celebration. Everyone who participated also took part in Home Safety Program and this was followed by a celebration lunch at the brewery. It was a day that will be remembered for its recognition that, in spite of the continuing exploitation and injustice against women, many milestones have been achieved in terms of education, freedom of choice, liberty and equality.
WORKING TOGETHER
Raising awareness of critical issues that affect us all is an important part of Carlsberg’s corporate policies. The continuing and tragic exploitation of workers in some parts of the world is a cause of grave concern and only by working together can we hope to eradicate it from our communities. International Women’s Day is a reminder of people’s determination for a better future.