Angelique Weingaertner (left), Senior Manager Advisory; Marcela Donati (right), Senior Associate Assurance.
What is the Pink Initiative, and how did it come about?
We both battled breast cancer and wanted to raise awareness for and create a dialogue around this sensitive topic by also encouraging a more hopeful outlook and inspiring others.
That’s why we decided to launch the Pink Initiative – a Swiss-wide initiative at PwC. We organise internal events with the aim to encourage open conversations and find additional ways to support individuals throughout and beyond their cancer experience.
We’ve partnered with three non-profit organisations - Ma Bulle Rose, HOPE, and Cancer Support Switzerland - to showcase the assistance they offer. Additionally, we’ve expanded the events to cover the benefits of nutrition, pilates, exercise, therapy and presented the support that our internal health and wellbeing team can provide to PwC employees.
We have also shared testimonials from PwC employees and other women who talked about their experiences and gave advice on how employers and colleagues can provide support during challenging times.
"Our goal is that all event participants leave the session with a more hopeful outlook. Although life can be very challenging and difficult at times, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and that help is available."
How has PwC supported you in the creation of the Pink Initiative?
Everyone has showed great support! The Partners in charge of the respective PwC Switzerland offices, along with other leaders, were highly supportive of this initiative. We have received assistance from a dedicated group of colleagues, as well as the marketing and communications teams, to bring this initiative to life.
We are truly grateful to everyone who has helped launch the initiative and is still supporting us to raise awareness and drive change.
What has been the impact so far?
Approximately 200 of our employees have attended the events. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants leaving the sessions feeling more hopeful and grateful for the support available within and outside of PwC. Knowing that you can count on your employer’s support in difficult times is invaluable and can further support your recovery.
Thanks to everyone’s support and the community we have established now, we can shed a light on breast cancer and hopefully create more positve and open conversations.
