When the invitation email for the fifth f.ernetzt meeting was received, it took less than three hours for all 150 places to be fully booked. Many more of the more than 1,300 members of the REWE Group's women's network put their names on the waiting list for the event at the Maybach restaurant in Cologne.

People Director Daniela Büchel

The high demand for this event is not the only indication of the great interest and need for dialogue among women in the company. The establishment of several f.ernetzt "offshoots" between northern Germany and Austria also shows this: Women have recognised the need for professional networking and are actively taking advantage of the opportunities that an offer like f.ernetzt opens up for them: "It is your achievement that f.ernetzt is the way it is today," said organiser Iris Nguyen, addressing the 150 participants on behalf of all members. She then moved on to People Board Member Daniela Büchel, who, in her role as f.ernetzt patron, not only thanked her colleagues for their commitment to maintaining the women's network, but also encouraged them to continue to do so for their development: "Network, exchange ideas and make sure you get ahead in the company. Networking is not dishonourable, men do it too," said Büchel, who is currently the only woman on the REWE Group Management Board. There is also room for improvement in the proportion of female senior managers. According to Management Board member Büchel, this is not due to a lack of "capable women": REWE Group is a "female company" with over 65 per cent of its employees being women.

f.ernetzt organiser Iris Nguyen

But even when the women have been found, the way up is still more like a scree-strewn mountain path than a well-developed hiking trail. Networks such as f.ernetzt provide surefootedness. And sometimes, says Büchel, professional advancement also has to do with courage. Her appeal to her colleagues: "Encourage each other. Ask your senior managers to encourage you. And take the male part of the workforce with you". Her goal is to create "awareness among men", because without them, no cultural change can be heralded.

But why is a cultural change important at all? Because companies with a high level of gender diversity at all levels are simply more successful. This is another reason why the date of the f.ernetzt annual meeting was carefully chosen by the organisers: It took place on 27 May, German Diversity Day. This day of action focuses on the promotion of diversity, equal rights and equal opportunities in society. Not just for women. But also for women.

With this in mind, this year's f.ernetzt event was about more than just professional networking, mutual support and living together. Against the backdrop of more and more companies scaling back their commitment to diversity under supposed political and economic pressure, a network like f.ernetzt underpins REWE Group's commitment to diversity and equality. Or as Management Board member Büchel put it: "Encourage yourselves. Network with each other. Let's live f.ernetzt."