La Poste Group’s “Tour de France of the Regions” in Support of Gender Equality: An Interview with Stéphanie Lhoste

What is your take on this “Tour de France” of the “Un Une” network?

Stéphanie Lhoste: The goal of this project is to highlight local initiatives so they can serve as a source of engagement and pride for Postal workers in each region. By highlighting our commitment to gender equality, we strengthen the sense of belonging, and this can also be a tangible asset during our recruitment efforts. Finally, the “Tour de France” is also a wonderful opportunity to showcase our local ambassadors while allowing them to gain inspiration by sharing ideas with key players in the national network, thereby sparking new ideas for their initiatives on the ground. We are very proud to launch this initiative and to showcase the momentum we’ve built over the past year with our regional ambassadors.

What tone did you want to set for this leg of the trip in the Centre-Val de Loire region?

Stéphanie Lhoste: This year, the “Tour de France” is part of our calendar as part of an event themed “Shooting Down Prejudices,” featuring a talk by Candice Prévost, a former professional soccer player for PSG. This has allowed us to explore the impact of bias through testimonials from postal workers, as well as through contributions from external stakeholders—such as a representative from MEDEF—to broaden the event’s regional reach. The primary goal of this event is to share best practices in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

How do you engage ambassadors in your region?

Stéphanie Lhoste: The ambassadors—whose numbers have grown from 6 to 40 since the launch of our Parity Network delegation in the region—are essential partners in maximizing our impact. Through their ability to communicate about our issues and their commitment, they play a key role in promoting the national and local network’s initiatives across our 300 contact points in six departments. For example, we’re currently working with them to distribute a self-assessment tool on gender parity, intended for all postal workers across all job roles. And they’ll be the first to promote this internal survey!

In the future, we also envision them working with us on various projects, including a mentoring program to be launched by the “Un Une” Parity Network, to support colleagues with professional projects, challenges they face—such as those related to the “glass ceiling”—and so on. Some will also be highlighted as role models—regardless of gender—to share their career journeys or promotion stories, with the aim of breaking down stereotypes. Thanks to them, a culture of gender parity is being fostered right at the grassroots level.

How do you plan to foster long-term unity around gender parity ?

Stéphanie Lhoste: To advance gender parity in the region, we must continue to propose concrete actions that demonstrate our commitment. The “Tour de France of the “Un Une” Parity Network” obviously contributes to this, but that’s not all. Throughout the year, we actively communicate internally via our platforms, which are being read and shared more and more. And I’ve noticed genuine interest from all employees—including account managers and tellers—in content related to CSR, gender parity, and a sense of belonging. The self-assessment on gender parity and workplace equality will also strengthen this commitment, as it will allow us to co-develop action plans with them at all levels. So when I see the direct impact of these initiatives on our employees—and even beyond—I’m very optimistic about the future!