{"id":23488,"date":"2022-03-08T15:53:19","date_gmt":"2022-03-08T14:53:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/de\/?p=22438"},"modified":"2024-09-05T10:51:27","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T08:51:27","slug":"brave-pragmatic-and-getting-things-done-womens-voices-from-around-the-rewe-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/press-and-media\/newsroom\/stories\/brave-pragmatic-and-getting-things-done-womens-voices-from-around-the-rewe-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Brave, pragmatic, and getting things done: Women\u2019s voices from around the REWE Group"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \n

From experienced REWE VPs to dedicated toom store managers to the young woman aspiring to become the first female lorry driver in REWE\u2019s logistics network \u2013 women really do take many different paths within the REWE Group. As such, their journeys will be vastly different and their experience of diversity and gender equality in the workplace will be unique. But what they all have in common is that they get things done. Let\u2019s hear from a few of them now:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

We\u2019ve got leadership workshops and we\u2019ve got leadership workshops for women. Why aren\u2019t there leadership workshops for men?<\/q><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Agnieszka Brzezinska:<\/strong> What bothers me most is the constant focus on gender. For example, we\u2019ve got leadership workshops and then we\u2019ve got leadership workshops specifically for women. Why aren\u2019t there leadership workshops for men? I always say the results at the end of the year show whether someone is doing a good job managing a store or not. There are many different criteria. Sales and profit, of course, but also employee and customer satisfaction. The results have to measure up, whatever your gender.<\/p>\n

A lot likely has to do with the industry we\u2019re in. After completing my degree in international retail management, I joined a large electronics company with an almost entirely male workforce. I left the company because there were almost no opportunities for a young woman to get ahead. That was a real blow. From then on, I promised myself that I\u2019d never let something like that happen again. At toom, it\u2019s different. I\u2019ve since been promoted to centre manager and the next step from here would be regional sales manager.<\/p>\n

At toom, they\u2019re very proactive and progressive when it comes to diversity and promoting women. More and more women are serving as store managers, and I personally have done my bit to advocate for qualified women in my own area of influence. In this respect, I also appreciate the work-life balance offered by toom. And even if it may initially bother some of my male colleagues to see a woman managing a DIY store, they usually come round pretty quickly. And everyone really appreciates each others\u2019 contributions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"agnieszka-Brzezinska\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

About:<\/h2>

\n Agnieszka Brzezinska <\/p>\n\n \n

\n has been a store manager at toom Baumarkt since 2017 and a base store manager at toom in Troisdorf for a few months. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

More women in retail<\/h3>\n \n

Of the roughly 3.1 million people working in retail in Germany, 67 per cent are women. As the German Retail Federation (Handelverband Deutschland \u2013 HDE) sees it, the reason this figure is so high is the availability of part-time work in the industry \u2013 45 per cent of retail workers are employed part time. The only sectors with a larger share of women are healthcare and social services. The sector with the fewest women is construction.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Treating business partners as equals is essential. Once you\u2019ve established an atmosphere of respect, it sticks<\/q><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Melanie Ackermann:<\/strong> In Tunesia, a Muslim country, men traditionally play a larger role in the workplace \u2013 though the country is becoming increasingly modern. People here are not (yet) used to seeing women in leadership roles. Especially in the hospitality business. As a woman, you still have to work hard to gain respect and acceptance. You have to show that you really do know what you\u2019re doing. Once you have, though, you\u2019ll be taken seriously. Professionalism is highly regarded here.<\/p>\n

When I became a destination manager on Djerba at the age of 23, having served 18 months as a tour representative, it took the team a little while to get used to it. What helped me a lot was the fact that I come from the hospitality industry. So I already knew a lot coming in. The team was great. I felt accepted, and we were able to work together very well without any big conversations about it. I never experienced any problems in terms of accepting my authority, although the situation was quite new to my colleagues. But there have been a few instances where I have been put to the test\u2026<\/p>\n

On the rare occasion that things get uncomfortable \u2013 say, a business partner makes innuendos about my age or gender \u2013 I remain assertive and professional. I never let anyone make me doubt myself and always treat everyone as equals. As the saying goes, \u201cWe reap what we sow.\u201d And here, those are certainly words to live by. I love the varied nature of my work, with new challenges each day. And I\u2019m also really happy to be living here on Djerba. I have arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"melanie-ackermann\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

About:<\/h2>

\n Melanie Ackermann <\/p>\n\n \n

\n is Destination Manager of DER Touristik Destination Service AG on Djerba and supports the Digital Content Management in Destination. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

Getting back to work after maternity leave<\/h3>\n \n

There are a growing number of women in employment. Since the millennium, the percentage of women in the workforce aged between 15 and 65 has risen almost continuously across all age groups. Germany\u2019s Federal Statistical Office puts the percentage for 2020 at 71.8 per cent. In 2000, it was 57.7 per cent. Most recently, 79 per cent of working-age men were in employment. The biggest differences in workforce representation between men and women is in the 30-34 age group, where men outnumber women by 12 percentage points. According to Germany\u2019s Federal Employment Agency, the steadily rising employment rate among women aged 35 to 39 suggests that this group seeks to return to work soon after starting a family.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

I\u2019ve found the right model<\/q><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Heidi Rajcsanyi:<\/strong> When I finished my \u2018Abitur\u2019 examinations, I knew I wanted to study computer science and decided on business IT with a focus on software development. After earning my degree and then working in release and configuration management for a few years and being responsible for deployment, I\u2019ve been supervising an all-male team in a disciplinary leadership role for just under a year now. The job was posted through Symphony.<\/p>\n

I saw the opportunity, and I took it. The fact that I\u2019m one of very few women here has little relevance in my day-to-day work. Whatever your role in IT, what matters is that you do your job well, not what gender you happen to be. Still, it would be nice to see more women and girls getting into IT. But I think that\u2019s only going to happen if we can interest them in the topic in general and give them a better idea of what it\u2019s like to work in the field.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, I\u2019ve also found a model that works for me, personally. My husband took most of our parental leave and now works part time so I can keep working full time. It was an exciting time, especially at the beginning, and we both had to grow into life with our (now two) kids. Knowing that someone at home has my back is a huge help to me at work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"heidi-rajcsanyi\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

About:<\/h2>

\n Heidi Rajcsanyi <\/p>\n\n \n

\n is Principal Engineer, DevOps & APM, at REWE Systems. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

More women in part-time roles<\/h3>\n \n

Part-time work and ‘mini jobs’ are the domain of women. Statistics from Germany\u2019s Federal Employment Agency show that nearly four times as many women as men work part time in Germany across all sectors of the economy. Nearly two-thirds of all people aged 15 to 65 in marginal part-time employment are female. In retail, that number is even higher. Of all part-time workers in the sector, 84 per cent are women. Retail has a higher share of part-time and ‘mini job’ positions than other sectors. According to the German Retail Federation (Handelverband Deutschland \u2013 HDE), a good 1.1 million of the total 3.1 million retail jobs are part-time and another 800,000 are mini jobs.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

You\u2019ve got to have a thick skin<\/q><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Joulina Gertlowski:<\/strong> Yes, I hear dumb comments all the time. But I can handle it. You\u2019ve got to have a thick skin. So I either ignore the comments or give some kind of comeback. But honestly, most people who see me driving tell me they\u2019re impressed. The examiner at the driving school was really impressed at how well I did on my driving test.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"joulina-gertlowski\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

About:<\/h2>

\n Joulina Gertlowski <\/p>\n\n \n

\n is a prospective professional driver – the first at the REWE warehouse in Breuna. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

More and more women in leadership<\/h3>\n \n

There are, on average, far more women in management roles in the retail sector than in the German economy as a whole. According to the German Retail Federation (Handelsverband Deutschland \u2013 HDE), women hold 38 per cent of first-line management positions compared to only 26 per cent in the wider economy. The second layer of management in retail has a 65 per cent share of women, which is far higher than in the German economy as a whole, where women hold just 40 per cent of positions. The HDE cites the \u201ctraditionally high share of women\u201d in the sector in general and \u201cgood opportunities for career advancement\u201d as reasons for this.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Be brave, believe in yourself and don\u2019t give prejudice a chance<\/q><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Ulrike Zanker:<\/strong> I really don\u2019t like to make comparisons, and I don\u2019t see any legitimate reason for prejudice. I grew up with two older brothers and learned at a young age to assert myself. My being a girl was never the reason I didn\u2019t get or achieve something.<\/p>\n

Women have a different way of approaching things and a different perspective than men. One is not necessarily better than the other. But when the two are combined, that can be very powerful. I started my career in market research, which required an analytical, mathematical focus. Over time, my path led me into retail. I am loving my current responsibilities in the goods division, which for me is the very heart of retail. I get to experience the business from the operations side, but I can also take a strategic perspective and think outside the box.<\/p>\n

Women have a tendency to be very self-critical. But when you believe in yourself, go your own way and accomplish your goals, you can\u2019t help but radiate that. Which leaves no space for prejudice. Companies like REWE only stand to benefit when they have more women in leadership roles and more gender-diverse teams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"ulrike-zanker\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

About:<\/h2>

\n Ulrike Zanker <\/p>\n\n \n

\n is responsible for REWE purchasing in the dry goods division 1. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

Read more<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n
\n
    \n
  • \n
    \n \n \n
    \n \"Portrait\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n

    Story<\/p>\n

    \n

    23 July 2026<\/p>\n

    “I’m an optimistic person. I’ve always been that way.”<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"Two\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Story<\/p>\n

    \n

    22 July 2026<\/p>\n

    Sports Bring People Together: Inclusion Right in the Heart of the Neighborhood<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"Participants\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Story<\/p>\n

    \n

    15 July 2026<\/p>\n

    CSD 2026: Take a Stand. Embrace Diversity.<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"Simon\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Story<\/p>\n

    \n

    1 July 2026<\/p>\n

    From Zero to Woof: REWE Retailer Simon Bacher on His Journey to Opening the First ZooRoyal Specialty Store in North Rhine-Westphalia<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"Open\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Corporate report<\/p>\n

    \n

    15 June 2026<\/p>\n

    Annual Report 2025: Resilient and successful \u2013 with an eye to the future<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"jahreshauptversammlung-rewe-rzf\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Press release<\/p>\n

    \n

    13 June 2026<\/p>\n

    REWE Group confirms its robust market position in the 2025 Annual Report – new members on the Supervisory Board on the employee side<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"Four\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Story<\/p>\n

    \n

    10 June 2026<\/p>\n

    REWE brings innovative walk-in store to Hofheim-Lorsbach<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \"Automated\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n

    Story<\/p>\n

    \n

    28 May 2026<\/p>\n

    Cyber-Buddy packs for customers<\/h3> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/button>\n<\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    Join the discussion on <\/h2>\n
    \n

    Our LinkedIn feed has all the latest information from the REWE Group and the sector, with the most important developments from the worlds of retail, e-commerce, food, CSR and policy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n \n To LinkedIn feed <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Women pursue a variety of career paths within the REWE Group. And their experiences of diversity and gender equality at work likewise vary widely. What they all have in common is that they get things done.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":16833,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","nl_adhoc_sent":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"sales_line":[19],"focus_theme":[142],"class_list":["post-23488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-company","sales_line-rewe-group","focus_theme-undefined"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23488"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23488\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23642,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23488\/revisions\/23642"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23488"},{"taxonomy":"sales_line","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sales_line?post=23488"},{"taxonomy":"focus_theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rewe-group.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/focus_theme?post=23488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}