Louis Vuitton 2007 Annual Report Download - page 60

Social Accountability Convention
The first Social Accountability Convention was held in Paris in December
2007. An opportunity to share best practices to prevent discrimination
and promote equality, this event was attended by approximately
one hundred representatives from the Human Resource departments
of the Group companies.
Sustainable decelopment
In 2007, Veuve Clicquot developed
a concrete expression
of its commitment to women
for sustainable development through
the “Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman
Prize” and a brand new initiative,
the “Veuve Clicquot Program for
Economic Development”.
Sharing with our employees the intangible prin-
ciples of ethics, diversity and equality, develo-
ping authentic reasons for pride in belonging
are the foundations of our commitment to
society in all our businesses.
Diversity and equal opportunity
As a signatory of the Global Pact, the Diversity
Charter and the Charter of Business Commitment
to Equal Opportunity in Education, LVMH places
singular importance on diversity, because it is a
source of wealth and an asset. Each of its brands is
developing in a stimulating multi-cultural working
environment in order to anticipate and then meet
the needs of its international customers completely.
It is for this reason that the companies of the
Group recruit and develop the best international
skills in order to best comprehend cultural sensiti-
vities to make them a decisive competitive advan-
tage. This search for mutual enrichment of cultures,
origins and expertise is an integral component of
the Diversity policy developed by the companies of
the Group. The ultimate expression of this goal in
2007 was the collective work performed by seven
“Corporate Social Accountability” groups compo-
sed of the Human Resource teams of the Group's
companies. This dynamic effort to increase aware-
ness, share best practices and develop new action
measures found special expression in the first
Corporate Social Accountability Convention orga-
nized by the Group in December 2007.
In addition, for the second consecutive year, global
reporting was performed on the basis of the GRI 3
performance indicators for human rights and work
practice.
Women in the Group
The nature of the businesses of LVMH, which has a
very strong presence in fashion, perfumes and
cosmetics and the sale of luxury products, explains
its appeal for women, who represent more than
two-thirds of the Group's workforce and exceed
80% at Selective Retailing and Perfumes & Cosme-
tics business groups. In 2007, 74% of the new
employees recruited were women. The policy of
parity between men and women is also reflected
in a deliberate policy for professional development
in all positions and at all levels of the organization.
Overall in the Group, one out of two managers is a
woman. Women represent 28% of the manage-
ment committees and six Group companies are
headed by a female Chief Executive Officer: Veuve
Clicquot Ponsardin, Fred, Montres Dior, E-luxury,
Parfums Kenzo and Acqua di Parma.
Concrete measures are in place in the Group's
companies. A company-wide agreement on profes-
sional equality between men and women was
signed at Moët Hennessy Diageo on April 25, 2007,
a Men/Women Equality commission is in place at
Moët & Chandon. Several companies have establi-
shed mechanisms and indicators to track career
changes: an interview after a long leave, access to
training, promotion and compensation.
This year, representatives from the Group partici-
pated in the 3rd annual Women’s Forum for the
Economy & Society, held in October in Deauville,
France on the theme of Confidence.
Several companies in the Group support prizes that
recognize exceptional women around the world,
including Moët & Chandon, which has sponsored
the “Golden Women Trophy” since 1993 and the
second annual “Wine Women Awards.”
For 35 years now, the “Veuve Clicquot Business-
woman Award” has recognized female entrepre-
neurs, the founders or officers of profitable busi-
nesses. Today, this prize is awarded in 16 countries.
And last year, to complement this prize, the Veuve
Clicquot House launched the “Veuve Clicquot
Program for Economic Development,” which is
designed to offer recognition and visibility to excep-
tional women who live and work in developing
countries and who play an important role in the
economic development of their countries.
Express a true commitment to society