Danone

The leading company in the ranking is Danone. This French company, the world’s top producer of dairy products, supports women in their career pursuit allowing them to hold senior positions. The company is well known worldwide for its yogurts, which have become a synonym of healthy nutrition. The corporation owns the brands "Prostokvashino", "Activia", Actimel, "Rastishka", "Unimilk", "Danissimo", Danone, "Bio Balance", "Actual", etc. Danone came out on top in the rating thanks to gender balance in its management, as well as in senior and middle management. Danone offers ample opportunities for women's career growth.

Procter & Gamble

This company occupies the second position on this list. Procter & Gamble is a leading US manufacturer of hygiene and health products that are sold under the following brands - Pampers, Ariel, Tide, Fairy, Always, Tampax, Braun, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, etc. Procter Manual & Gamble supports gender equality in the workplace. For instance, the company does not tolerate gender stereotypes. Flexible working hours are provided for employees with young children and pregnant women. Assistance is also offered to fathers. They receive 8 weeks of paid parental leave if even a mother is at home with a child.

IKEA

The third place among companies that encourage women to aim higher is taken by IKEA. This is a Swedish manufacturer of household goods. The corporation owns more than 440 stores in 50 countries around the world. By the end of this year, IKEA plans to achieve equal pay for male and female personnel. The company is also committed to gender balance. In addition, IKEA acknowledges an inclusive approach to work. Mandatory inclusivity training is provided for employees at all levels.

Sberbank

Sberbank, a Russian-based company, is in fourth place among the companies offering women equal career opportunities. Experts consider Sberbank one of the largest employers in the Russian Federation. Currently, the proportion of women working in Sberbank amounts to 68%. Notably, Sberbank also describes itself as a socially active firm. The bank is developing adaptation and reintegration programs for women. Among the main innovations are access to the workplace during parental leave, flexible working hours, and professional retraining. Female heads of departments can receive the opportunity to study at business schools around the world (London Business School, the Yale School of Management, etc.). Training is conducted according to specially developed programs dedicated to women's leadership in the modern world.

Adidas

Adidas, a popular brand of sports shoes, closes the top 5 companies friendly to women's career growth. Nowadays, it is the second-largest manufacturer of sportswear, footwear, and accessories with an annual turnover of $22.6 billion. Almost half of the company's employees are women. Adidas has achieved gender equality in leadership positions and in remuneration. The company also supports pregnant women. For instance, it provides maternity and childbirth support programs for office employees as well as adaptation programs for workers when they come back from maternity leave. Among the bonuses are the opportunity to use the help of a couch, receive psychological assistance, and ask for an individual work schedule.