P&G;, Sara Lee Win Catalyst Awards

Programs created by Proctor & Gamble Co. and Sara Lee Corp. to help raise awareness of the need for women in the executive ranks were honored by Catalyst, a New York-based advocacy and research group. P&G;’s “Advancement of Women” initiative used a task force that focused on such issues as cultural change, work/life balance, coaching and mentoring, and networking for women. According to the company, the number of women at the general manager/vice president level has more than tripled from five in 1992 to 18 in 1997. Sara Lee was honored for establishing a program to increase the number of women and minorities at management and executive levels. Since 1987, Catalyst has honored 34 corporations that have demonstrated a proven ability to advance women.