From participation in the CSD to the market in rainbow colours: For the first time, the DITO Diversity Award recognises the remarkable efforts of colleagues who are committed to an open and diverse working environment. Who the award winners are - and how to become an Ally!
Diversity is not just a buzzword for REWE Group, but a matter close to our hearts that characterises our daily interactions. With the DITO Diversity Award, the internal LGBTIQ network is now for the first time honouring colleagues who act as supporters - or allies - for an open and diverse working environment and are particularly committed to equal rights and the visibility of marginalised groups. The award was presented at the DITO network meeting at the beginning of April and went to Ursula Wintgens, REWE Kauffrau from Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg, Jérôme Digeon, REWE Kaufmann from Illingen, and Charlotte Ehl, Lead Head Office and Projects HR at REWE digital.
In times of growing social tensions, it is particularly important that people stand up for support and equality in the workplace. As "lifeworld experts", the queer colleagues at DITO know this from their own experience. Martina Weinhold, spokesperson for the DITO network, puts it in a nutshell: "Solidarity is a cornerstone of democracy. It stands for compassion and support for others, even if you are not personally affected. All Allies are passionately committed to a more inclusive corporate culture. After all, diversity thrives on everyone's commitment - and it is precisely these people who make the difference!"
Jérôme Digeon, REWE Kaufmann, Illingen - Southwest Region
"We show that REWE is open to all people"
In 2024, Jérôme Digeon's store was badly affected by the floods in Saarland and literally "flooded". All electrical appliances, including the refrigeration and heating systems, failed completely and caused considerable material damage. Despite these challenges, the businessman was not deterred from taking part in the CSD together with his colleagues and standing up for diversity.
"I've been a sponsor of the travesty group 'Starlight Divas' since I became self-employed in February 2021. We've taken part in CSD as the REWE Digeon Group several times so far - most recently with almost 50 colleagues at CSD in Saarbrücken. This was our chance to show Saarland that REWE is open to all people. Because diversity unites us. We live that and we love it!"
Ursula Wintgens, REWE saleswoman, Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg - Region West
"We all speak the same language - the language of the heart"
If you talk to Ursula Wintgens about diversity, she's there! Whether as a REWE representative at panel discussions, raising the rainbow flag in front of her stores in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg, setting up a rainbow-look fruit and vegetable stand for Pride Month or illuminating the entire façade of her store in rainbow colours. For Ursula Wintgens, diversity is not just lip service, but a lived practice.
"It's important to me to send a clear signal in favour of tolerance and against hatred and hate speech. I owe that to my employees and my customers. No matter what sexuality, religion, language, skin colour or age - we work peacefully with 19 nations and all speak the same language... the language of the heart."
Charlotte Ehl, Lead HR Head Office and Projects at REWE digital
"We have to tell positive stories"
As an expert in HR development, Charlotte Ehl was responsible for the sustainability pillar of employees and for diversity and equal opportunities in REWE Group's CoE HR Development. Since May 2025, she has been responsible for the newly created Head Office & Projects in the HR division of REWE digital - where she is in charge of topics relating to health management, compensation & benefits, HR strategy and communication. In her role as Head of the Diversity Network at REWE Group, she actively promotes all diversity topics and projects. She is also a strong supporter of DITO and always a committed ally.
"Especially now, when many companies are discontinuing diversity programmes and we are unfortunately moving to the right socially, it is important that we tell positive stories, that we make diversity in REWE Group visible and, above all, that we use the great campaigns of the DITO network to create a movement and win allies."
Martina Weinhold
In the fight against racism and discrimination against groups of people or genders, the buzzword "allyship" comes up again and again. What is behind it and how does solidarity actually manifest itself? We asked Martina Weinhold. The good news first: anyone can become an ally!
one: Martina, what is important when it comes to "allyship"?
Martina Weinhold: Allies are people who show solidarity and empathy for people from discriminated groups. Their goal is to make marginalised people feel heard, understood and valued. Being an ally is not just a label, but an attitude. It requires critically scrutinising conditions, being open to change and advocating for an unprejudiced and equal (working) environment.
one: How do you become an Ally?
Martina Weinhold: The first step is to explore your own privileges: What positions of power do I have and when do I feel powerless? In which situations do I belong to the majority or minority? It is also important to develop empathy for other people: What experiences has this person had? Which forms of discrimination do I recognise and which are new to me? The diversity dimensions of the Diversity Charter offer insight into the many dimensions in which people can be similar or different, and shows where discrimination takes place and what everyone can do about it.
one: How can I best support people who are discriminated against in my immediate environment?
Martina Weinhold: People who fear discrimination need the confidence to speak openly about it. Understanding and empathy are crucial. Try to put yourself in their shoes: What would it be like if I were in this situation? Take their feelings seriously. Stand up for others loudly and clearly when you observe injustice. Of course, it is important to know whether the person concerned feels discriminated against and would like your support, and if so, what exactly they need. Being ally also means: It's not about playing the role of a victim, but supporting them to take on a more powerful position if they wish. The keyword here is "empowerment".
