Hershey India bolsters its commitment to uplifting girls in celebration of International Day of the Girl Child

In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child and as an extension of Hershey’s international #HerforSHE campaign, Hershey India announced additional programming and continued nonprofit support to further recognize and honor, and uplift women and girls in India and around the world. Ranked as the World’s Top Female Friendly Company, Hershey is committed to continuing its longstanding efforts to advance gender equity through meaningful programming and partnerships that invest in both girls and women and raise awareness of their stories around the globe. 

“At Hershey, we understand the power of inclusivity, equity, and diversity and believe we have an important role in recognizing and empowering diverse voices around the world,” said Michele Buck, chief executive officer, The Hershey Company. “On this day when we celebrate young women and girls all over the world –and every day - we are committed to helping them harness their potential and giving them a platform to achieve their dreams. By providing access to opportunities and resources, we’re also helping build a workforce of the future that reflects the global landscape and creates a more inclusive world.” 

#HerforSHE Social Media Campaign 

To mark International Day of the Girl, Hershey India has launched a new social media campaign as an extension of its #HerforSHE campaign executed during International Women’s Day. As part of the campaign, the company has debuted new digital Hershey Bar designed GIHPY stickers inspired by the 2022 #HerforShe campaign’s transformation of the iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar packaging into a celebration of women changemakers. 

Hershey fans are encouraged to use the digital stickers to share inspiring stories of the young women and girls in their lives making an impact. Throughout the campaign, Hershey India will celebrate all of the stories of the young women and girls shared by reposting select content to its channels to inspire others.

“Gender equity has been a longstanding central focus for our company and a passion point for our employees, especially in India,” said Ankit Desai, marketing director, Hershey India. “We are committed to telling the stories of women and girls through our brands that reach so many. While women and girls across India are making an incredible impact where they live and work, it, unfortunately, can go unnoticed. We hope that through our programming for International Day of the Girl Child, we are not only celebrating the greatness of women and young girls but continuing to elevate their voices because when we elevate them, they elevate their communities.” 

'Future CEO' Program Drives Mentorship and Reverse Mentorship

As part of its celebration of this occasion, Hershey is also proud to announce a new company-wide program called ‘Future CEO,’ which will come to life in India, the U.S., and five additional international markets. Through the program, the company will offer hands-on education to young women to provide the skills, tools, and mentorship needed to succeed. 

While the initial phases of the program will kick off immediately, alongside additional Hershey international leaders’ and employees’ support in an existing Girl Up mentorship program, the educational components will culminate in March surrounding International Women’s Day via a virtual event hosted by Hershey’s chief executive officer, Michele Buck, and additional women leaders. Even though this program is focused on the participants, Hershey also believes it will provide powerful lessons for the company and its leadership team through reverse mentorship, allowing them to better understand the next generation and their thinking in learning from young leaders. 

To bring the program to life, Hershey is partnering with nonprofit organizations Girl Up and Girls on the Run over the next several months to identify the participants - driven, passionate young girls whom others can look up to and who have the potential and drive to become one of the next great female leaders in business. The program will work with the non-profit partners to identify ten total participants, including one in India.

Each participant will also receive a scholarship to further their education and develop their leadership skills. 

Deepening Relationship with Girl Up to Build Further Opportunities  

With 48% of Hershey’s workforce comprised of women, carving a path for young women and girls is non-negotiable. But the company knows it can’t do it alone. To make a lasting impact and influence outside its walls, Hershey will continue to support Girl Up, a nonprofit committed to advancing girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders, for the remainder of this year through its ongoing mentorship program and into 2023 as a key partner for the ‘Future CEO’ program. 

On International Women’s Day, Hershey announced its initial partnership with Girl Up and donated USD 100,000 to amplify the voices of girls and women who are making a difference around the world on digital and social platforms. The partnership also includes the engagement of five Hershey leaders’ who are serving as mentors as part of Girl Up’s alumni mentorship program.

"Girl Up is thrilled to be in partnership with Hershey and contribute to the success of their exciting new 'Future CEO' program," said Girl Up executive director, Melissa Kilby. "The world needs new solutions and new leadership now. And with the right training, tools, and platforms, we can reach empowered girl changemakers around the world and support them to become the innovative, inclusive, and intentional leaders of a better tomorrow."