Rakuten Symphony came together with Rakuten Group to proudly celebrated Pride Month this June at our offices in Japan and India.
Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony and Subbu Gonella, Chief Human Resources Officer are the enablers behind the company’s commitment to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where people’s uniqueness is valued.
“Rakuten Symphony is proud to celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of our LBGTQ+ team members,” Sharad said. “Pride Month is a celebration of tolerance and openness, values that are integral to our corporate culture and ethos.”
Subbu Gonella recognized the growing support for diversity and inclusion across India, noting “we are committed to foster an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Our initiatives are designed to promote inclusivity, support mental health, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our team members.”
Here are a few ways Rakuten Symphony has celebrated Pride Month and the initiatives the company is taking to encourage diversity and inclusion.
Rakuten Symphony India is planning several new initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, including the establishment of stronger Diversity and Inclusion programs to drive awareness in its home base in Bengaluru as well as fostering closer relationships with other technology companies to empower society to create an environment of acceptance and support.
In addition to these plans, Rakuten Symphony is considering the implementation of workshops and training sessions on LGBTQ+ issues to enhance understanding and allyship among employees. Establishing support groups and forums where employees can share their experiences and challenges is also on our agenda. These initiatives will help create a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Employees from Rakuten Symphony India went above and beyond in their efforts to show support for LGBTQ+ rights, participating in the Run with Pride 2024 marathon, hosted by Rakuten India.
On Sunday June 23, hundreds of members and friends of the Rakuten family turned up at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru for the run, wearing special Rakuten t-shirts and sporting badges to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, people took part in 3K, 5K or 10K runs in the city’s famous public park. Rakuten Symphony employees showed up en masse, bringing their friends and family along to make this event a massive success.
The Run showed Rakuten Symphony’s commitment to being an equal-opportunity employer and creating a safe space for our LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
In Tokyo, Rakuten Group has consistently championed LGBTQ+ rights, as demonstrated by its active participation in Tokyo Rainbow Pride over the past several years. This year, more than 270,000 attendees witnessed Rakuten Group’s DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Network and R-Pride, an employee resource group, collaborate on numerous initiatives. These included the Inclusive Salon Project by Rakuten Beauty, gathering user voices through Rakuten Travel, and introducing Rakuten Mobile’s inclusive Family Program. The event also featured 120 Rakuten employees marching together in the Tokyo parade, showcasing solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
This sentiment resonates deeply within Rakuten Symphony as we strive to mirror these efforts.
Across the globe, Rakuten Group celebrated Pride Month with panel discussions on supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, documentary screenings, and even virtual game shows combining Pride Month and Juneteenth trivia - aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and celebration of the intersectionality of these important events.
These and other activities promoted inclusivity and allyship, aligning with the “Walk Together with Pride 2024” campaign, which underscores Rakuten’s commitment to acceptance, inclusivity, and equality for all individuals.
As allies of the LGBTQ+ community, Rakuten stands against discrimination and actively fosters a culture of genuine inclusivity. This campaign is a testament to the company’s ongoing movement for equality, ensuring that all individuals are respected and valued every step of the way.
