“This year’s dynamic winning initiatives reflect the power and reach of Catalyst’s mission: ‘Expanding opportunities for women and business,’” says Ilene Lang, president and CEO of Catalyst. “They represent the future of diverse, agile organizations eager to strengthen their position in a tough global economy and serve as models of inclusive workplaces that improve the lives of employees and their families and communities.”

 

McDonald’s commitment to inclusion led the company to create "Freedom Within a Framework: Global Women's Initiative." Since its inception in 2006, outcomes to advance women globally have been achieved, most notably in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa (APMEA), Europe, and the U.S.

 

The representation of women as restaurant managers has increased significantly across all three regions from 2006 to 2009. Additionally, the percentage of women in market leadership roles has grown substantially between 2006 and 2010. Between 2006 and 2009, the percentage of women on the board of directors also increased from 14 percent to 23 percent. 

 

Catalyst Award-winning initiatives are evaluated in a year-long process against a set of criteria, including: business rationale, senior leadership support, accountability, communication, employee engagement, innovation, and measurable results. 

 

McDonald's, along with Kaiser Permanente and Time Warner Inc., will present in-depth discussions on their initiatives at the 2011 Catalyst Awards Conference at The Waldorf-Astoria in New York on March 29, 2011.