Accelerating Action: Our commitment to gender equality on International Women’s Day 2025

When discussing gender equality at Coats, we’re not just ticking a box but building a workplace where everyone can shine. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, resonates deeply with our ongoing efforts to create meaningful change.

The Heart of Our Approach: “Coats for Her”

In 2022, we launched Coats for Her, a program that’s become more than just an initiative—a promise. What makes it unique? Five key focus areas that are reshaping how we support women:

• 1. Recruitment with Purpose: We’re transforming hiring. It’s no longer business as usual—we’re embedding gender-inclusive practices that open doors for talented women across all levels. Our female headcount grew from 37% in 2022 to 40%, and we welcomed 14 exceptional and talented female senior leaders to our team in 2024.
• 2. Leadership Development: Our Fast-Track Programme isn’t just about training. It’s about creating real opportunities and connecting ambitious ‘Women in Leadership’ with mentors who’ve been there.
• 3. Mentorship that Matters: We pair our female employees with experienced professionals who don’t just advise—they inspire, challenge, and support.
• 4. Celebrating Women’s Achievements: From internal platforms to company-wide events, we ensure our female colleagues’ incredible work gets the spotlight they deserve.
• 5. Smooth Transitions: Our Return-to-Work Programme understands that returning after maternity leave isn’t just about rejoining—it’s about feeling supported, valued, and empowered.

Beyond Her: A Culture of Inclusion for All

While Coats for Her focuses on empowering women, our Coats for All approach ensures that inclusivity is woven into our culture, benefiting everyone. We’re creating a workplace where differences are celebrated and potential knows no boundaries.

Walking the Talk: Leadership Representation

Numbers tell a story, and ours is promising. At the Board level, we have a gender balance of 44% female to 56% male. In 2022, we set a target to achieve 30% female representation in senior leadership roles by 2026, up from our 2022 baseline of 19%.

We are proud to share a key milestone: our global senior female representation increased from 23% in 2023 to 30% in 2024. Our goal for 2030 is to raise this to 40%. This isn’t just meeting a target—it’s a statement. We’re proving that diverse leadership is not only possible but also powerful.

Our Impact Reaches Further

Our commitment stretches beyond our office walls. In India, we’re running skill development programs that equip women with employment skills. Over the past four years, our Skill Development Centres for Rural Women initiative has trained 1,000 women, empowering them to start small businesses and achieve financial independence. In Indonesia, our Coats Creative Works Community program is helping mothers upcycle fabric scraps into sellable products, equipping them with sewing and digital marketing skills. Meanwhile, our Sanitary Pad Donation Initiative in Sri Lanka provides essential menstrual hygiene products to underprivileged schoolgirls, ensuring they don’t miss out on education due to a lack of resources.

This International Women’s Day, we’re not just reflecting—we’re accelerating. We’re not just supporting women by creating an environment where everyone can grow, innovate, and succeed; we’re building a better future for everyone.