Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and L'Oréal USA, have recently highlighted their ongoing commitment to supporting women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through separate awards programs. These initiatives shine a light on the underrepresentation of women in the manufacturing sector, including cosmetics and personal care product development.
According to the US Census Bureau, only 12% of manufacturers in the U.S. are women, compared to nearly 50% in other professional industries. In response, major beauty brands are taking steps to foster and encourage women's success in STEM to reduce the gender gap.
L'Oréal USA's "For Women in Science" Awards
L'Oréal USA celebrated the 2024 For Women in Science (FWIS) Awards by recognizing five postdoctoral researchers for their groundbreaking work across diverse scientific disciplines. Each awardee received a $60,000 grant to further their research. The program, part of the L'Oréal-UNESCO global initiative, has supported over 100 women scientists since 2003.
“L'Oréal is committed to accelerating women's advancement in STEM by increasing representation, amplifying their accomplishments, and supporting the next generation of change-makers,” said Marissa McGowan, Chief Sustainability Officer for L’Oréal North America in a press statement.
This year’s recipients include researchers tackling climate change, healthcare innovations, and planetary evolution. For instance, Emily McGuinness of the University of Minnesota is developing energy-efficient cooling technologies, while Dr. Andréa Hughes of NASA is studying auroras on Mars and Venus to understand planetary atmospheres.
“These scientists' ideas and innovations will inform solutions from climate change and sustainable energy to human health and disease,” added McGowan.
The awards were accompanied by professional development programming, including mentorship and discussions on career navigation, hosted in partnership with organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Estée Lauder's "Inspiring Women in Science" Awards
Meanwhile, ELC marked the seventh year of its Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science in partnership with Springer Nature. The awards, presented in London, recognized early-career female researchers and initiatives promoting STEM among girls and young women.
The Scientific Achievement Award went to Claire Chewapreecha, a computational biologist whose work in diagnosing melioidosis, a neglected tropical disease, has had life-saving impacts. Martha Alade of Nigeria’s WITIN Girls STEM Clubs received the Science Outreach Award for empowering socio-economically disadvantaged girls with hands-on STEM programs and mentorship.
Sue Fox, President of ELC UK & Ireland, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in a media statement: “With a regional workforce comprised of 90% women, the advancement of women and girls, particularly those in STEM, is both an opportunity and a responsibility for ELC.”
Lisa Napolione, ELC’s Senior Vice President of Global R&D, highlighted the caliber of this year’s applications in the same press release, stating, “The absolute difference those working to expand STEM outreach are making is inspiring.”
Closing the gender gap in manufacturing
L'Oréal and ELC's efforts align with broader industry needs to close gender disparities in manufacturing and STEM fields. Although women comprise a significant portion of the beauty industry's workforce, they remain underrepresented in product formulation, development, and technical roles.
Programs like FWIS and the Nature Awards aim to foster equity by elevating women in science and encouraging younger generations to pursue STEM careers. As these companies continue to innovate and expand their influence in beauty and personal care, their investment in women’s STEM advancement underscores their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
For manufacturers and suppliers, these initiatives signal a growing focus on collaboration and gender equity in driving future breakthroughs in the industry.
