#IWD2025: Deliveroo SG's Lee Minjoo on challenging gender bias in marketing

The marketing industry is a dynamic, ever-shifting landscape where trends, technologies and creative ideas collide to shape the future of how brands connect with the world. As this vibrant industry evolves, it is crucial that the people behind it are equally forward-thinking, embracing change and pushing boundaries to lead the way.

While female leaders are steadily rising to the top, there's still much work to be done to accelerate gender equality and ensure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard. This International Women's Day, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE celebrates the voices of women who are making waves in Singapore's marketing landscape, breaking barriers and paving the way for the future generation of leaders.

Hear from Lee Minjoo, head of marketing, Deliveroo Singapore, on what she has to say: 

Don't miss: International Women’s Day: What 'accelerate action' means to SG marketing leaders

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What does ‘accelerate action’ mean to you?

Lee: For me, it’s about creating an environment where women feel empowered to take the lead, make bold decisions, and thrive professionally without compromising their personal well-being. In marketing, this means ensuring diverse voices are heard, ideas are valued, and opportunities for growth are equally accessible. This ultimately means moving beyond conversations and driving meaningful change that supports women in the workplace.

I’d again like to reiterate that it is essential that we all — not just men, but everyone — stay mindful and challenge assumptions or biases based on appearances or stereotypes. We can only accelerate action when we evaluate people on their talents, contributions, and potential. Whether in a supervisor or leadership role, fostering a culture that champions women’s success can start with simple yet powerful actions, such as normalising childcare leave and promoting leaders based on merit rather than perception. Such seemingly small actions can collectively drive meaningful change and ultimately accelerate action.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What’s one bold step the marketing industry needs to take now to accelerate gender equality?

Lee: A bold step that the marketing industry needs to take is to actively address unconscious bias in hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities.

It’s not just about having more women in the room, but ensuring they have a genuine seat at the table, with the influence and resources to shape strategic decisions.

At Deliveroo, we have launched several employee-led initiatives including international employee resource groups (ERGs) that raise awareness of issues for members and action solutions to tackle them with our support. Last year, our gender equity ERG, which leads and promotes gender-inclusive initiatives for our staff at all stages of their careers and personal lives, held Deliveroo’s first-ever Women’s Health Festival, which saw key industry voices come together with Deliveroo employees to shed light on and spark conversations on this important and under-discussed topic.

Globally, we also have programmes such as ‘Accelerate’, that are tailored for high-potential female employees to build their leadership identity, purpose, and vision, as well as panel discussions surrounding the power of mentorship for women.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What advice would you give to other women in marketing who want to push for change and make a bigger impact at their workplace?

Lee: My advice would be to own your narrative and never underestimate the power of your voice.

Speak up for yourself and others, challenge the status quo, and advocate for policies that support gender equality and work-life balance.

At Deliveroo, we believe that when women support each other, incredible things happen — so find your allies, build your network, and lift others as you climb. Real change starts with courage and community.

Join us this coming 23 - 24 April for #Content360, a two-day extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging The Norm; Technology For Transformation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!

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