Diversity networks play a crucial role in fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation and belonging within our organisation. The volunteers in the networks show a common interest and are willing to share their experiences to connect, engage and support each another as well as be advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion within the whole organisation.
All these initiatives continually welcome new joiners and are continually evolving and growing.
The Global Women’s Network (GNW) of the RWE-group is where over 1400 women come together to support and motivate each other to develop successful careers and meaningful, beneficial networks. The network has a clear purpose: “We contribute to a more inclusive workplace where women can reach their full potential”.
Alongside the annual GWN conference, there are frequent working groups, knowledge sessions on business topics and in-person network events where members discuss current challenges in the energy economy and engage with one another.
By signing the UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP), our CEO made an important statement for RWE: it demonstrates RWE’s continued dedication to the issue of gender equality and its importance to our company. Gender equality is a central pillar of our company’s inclusive culture. With the signature, RWE is reaffirming its efforts to enable women to succeed.
The Women in STEM Jobs network supports all female employees with a relevant educational background in developing their careers.
RWE’s involvement with Initiative Chef:innen:sache indicates our commitment to equal opportunities for women and men in top managerial positions.
Women’s Career index carries out worldwide data-driven analyses on gender equality, focusing mainly on the executive level. RWE is consistently ranked highly by the FKi.
WISE enables and energises people in businesses like RWE to increase the participation, contribution and success of women in STEM.
Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion in the UK helps employers to build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures. RWE engages in discussion forums and in knowledge transfers on a variety of diversity topics.
In 2021, our internal LGBT*IQ-Network won the Rising Star Award at RWE for uniting LGBT*IQ employees and their allies. This network’s aim is to create a safe space for LGBT*IQ employees as well as bringing LGBT*IQ topics, such as coming out in the workplace, to the forefront.
LGBT*IQ & Friends recently ran a fantastic, international session titled “From fear and shame to freedom and happiness.” In this session, Manuela Neuroth, one of the chairs of this network, shared her story from her life as a boy to her experience as a husband and father, to her journey to become the proud woman she is now.
Empower is the name of our fledgling employee network regarding the topics of disability, neurodiversity and mental health.
Empower run interesting and interactive webinars such as: “Have your say – let’s talk about disability”. This well-attended session provided a safe space for employees with disabilities, carers and allies to share their experiences of reasonable adjustments, neurodivergence, long-term conditions, support and more at RWE. The session also allowed for the discussion of ideas on how to allow our inclusive culture to flourish further.
“I’ve been a member of Empower for just over two years. It is a network for colleagues with disabilities or long-term conditions, as well as those who have friends or family affected by disability. Through the network we can make connections across RWE. We also have a variety of “lunch and learn” sessions, including team members sharing their stories in order to raise awareness and educate. I feel that by supporting the network, RWE shows that we value an inclusive culture and want to attract talent from all areas of society to join #teamRWE.”
The Diversity Ambassador Program is a global internal network of employees that promote and raise awareness of diversity. Formal meetings are held quarterly but, additionally, innovating and thought-provoking conversations and ideas are shared in team meetings and over lunches. It is a great opportunity for any employee to network globally and simultaneously make a meaningful difference.
