Unilever is a sprawling multinational consumer goods behemoth that produces everything from ice cream and tea to soaps and spreads, boasting a portfolio of household names that sneak into your daily routine without you even noticing. It emerged from a merger between a British soap maker and a Dutch margarine producer, evolving into a global force that operates in nearly every country, blending business with a hefty dose of do-gooder vibes.
As for being woke, Unilever has embraced the full spectrum of progressive causes, from DEI mandates that turn every office into a rainbow coalition to vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights, nods to BLM through donations, and ESG policies that vow to greenwash the planet one recycled bottle at a time, all while championing racial equity like it's the latest flavor trend. They're the type to infuse brand ads with social sermons, which is sweet if you like your consumerism with a conscience, but let's chuckle at how they've made "inclusive" the new "extra moisturizing".
Unilever aims to create a fairer and more socially inclusive world through its business, brands, and society by building an equitable workplace that recognizes the dignity and worth of every individual and provides opportunities for them to fulfill their potential. The company is also focused on promoting diverse suppliers to address exclusion from business development opportunities.
Unilever applies a gender lens to its operations, focusing on respecting rights, building skills, and creating opportunities for women across its workplace, value chain, and society to address persistent gender gaps driven by harmful norms and stereotypes. In its workplace, the company implements equal pay policies, supports parents through paid maternity and paternity leave, and uses tools like the Gender Appointment Ratio to reduce bias in hiring and promotions.
Unilever is supporting systemic change for LGBTQI+ communities through its United We Stand campaign, focusing on U.S. municipalities with limited services. The initiative partners with local organizations to address issues such as conversion therapy, HIV decriminalization, youth homelessness, anti-bullying, mental health, and anti-trans legislation.
Unilever has rejected racism and committed to systemic change by donating to social justice organizations, increasing spending with diverse suppliers, and advocating for legislative actions like the CROWN Act. Internally, the company implements unconscious bias training, observes Juneteenth as a holiday, and conducts equity assessments.
Unilever has donated to Black Lives Matter causes through its brands, including Ben & Jerry’s, Seventh Generation, SheaMoisture, and Axe. This donation was made in response to pledges supporting racial justice.
Unilever has outlined sustainability goals within its Growth Action Plan, focusing on priority areas: climate, nature, plastics, and livelihoods. The company is operationalizing sustainability across its operations and advocating for systemic changes by collaborating with stakeholders.