CJP champions gender equality in chemical distribution

Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review spoke to Natalie McGregor, CJP’s divisional manager for pharma and personal care about gender equality and developing women within the business.

National Women’s Day is an important day to recognise the countless contributions women make to their families, teams and to the organisations they form part of, such as CJP Chemicals. As a leading supplier of raw materials and ingredients for multiple markets, including pharma and personal care, 60% of the company’s staff complement is made up of women.

CJP Chemicals was recently featured in Top Women Leaders, a magazine sponsored by Standard Bank. The magazine focuses on women of influence, employment equity implementation, women empowerment, development and leaders. Natalie was among the company’s female leadership who were featured.

“For most part of my career, I have worked in chemical distribution, which is an extension of the South African cosmetics industry. I love being part of a greater community that cares and understands women and their needs,” she comments. “Important initiatives such as the Look Good Feel Better Foundation aid women in times of great distress. This is a wonderful cause I would not have known about had I not been in this industry.”

A changing business environment

In the past, the chemical distribution sector was dominated by men. Yet the business environment is changing to become more representative of industries it serves, including cosmetics and personal care. As a result, CJP Chemicals currently has 40% representation of women and people of colour throughout the business. Diversity such as this is critical in the workplace because it allows for growth, understanding and empathy.

“It brings a softer skill to the ‘harder’ corporate environment and allows for active engagement and respect,” says Natalie.

The company also has maternal and development policies in place to support women within the business and it will be launching a forum for females, called Woman’s Worth. The forum will offer career guidance, skills development, coaching and mentoring etc. to all CJP’s female employees.

Recognition and encouragement are key in life

Natalie says that it is important to celebrate National Women’s Day because it helps to recognise that women serve many different roles in their capacities as home makers, trend setters, leaders and game changers.

“All women should believe in themselves. We are far greater than we believe,” she comments. “Stay focused, and if you stumble, get up, dust yourself off and try again. There is no such thing as failure, just lessons.”