Women Empowerment

W o m e n E m p o w e r m e n t

DO YOU KNOW HOW THE WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT PRINCIPLES PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY IN COMPANIES?

Regina Robinson International Speaker, Publisher, Author & Inner Confidence Strategist

The concept of female empowerment in relation to the scope of gender equality has become very popular in recent years, both in the social sphere and within the business sphere. But what exactly does this concept imply?

Its origin dates back to the IV World Conference on Women in Bijing (Beijing, 1995) and refers to the "increased participation of women in decision-making processes and access to power" with the aim of advancing equity between genders. This is related to the axes of human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and education, considered fundamental for the advancement and increase of the participation of women at all levels in society, also in the economic sphere.

In the words of Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, “the evidence is

clear: when women are empowered, everyone benefits. ” And is that empowering women in

economic life and in all sectors is central to:

Build strong economies. Establish more just and stable societies. Achieve internationally agreed goals on development, sustainability, and human rights. Improve the quality of life of women, men, families, and communities. Promote business operations and goals.

Principle 1. Promote gender equality from senior management

As we usually say, the commitment to sustainability, and in this case, to SDG 5, must come from the top of the business pyramid so that it can permeate the rest of the organization. In this sense, Principle 1 encourages establishing goals and objectives for the entire company in this matter and measuring progress through clear performance indicators. Establishing, in addition, managers at all levels as those responsible for these results.

Principle 2. Treat all men and women equally at work – respect and uphold human rights and non-discrimination

This principle may be obvious and even so, it is very necessary since it serves to have an explicit commitment of the organization to gender equality. The companies that sign it must promote an inclusive work culture, consider the implementation of flexible work measures, guarantee equal opportunities, as well as a fair pay equality policy, etc.

Principle 3. Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all workers and workers

This principle adds the gender perspective to SDG 3 on health and well-being. In this way, the organization's tasks related to this Objective include the prevention of all forms of violence and sexual harassment at work, the guarantee of equitable access to health insurance for all workers, or the training of personnel to recognize signs of violence against women, among other measures.

Principle 4. Promote the education, training, and professional development of women

Training is a very powerful and valuable weapon in the field of gender equality. For this reason, this principle includes training and awareness in equality, equal access to training, as well as formal and informal programs for the creation of networks and mentors or investment in policies and programs in the workplace that advance the women of the organization.

Principle 5. Implement business development, supply chain and marketing practices in favor of the empowerment of women

Sustainability actions must also take place outside the walls of the company, involving the supply chain. In this case, principle 5 invites companies to establish supplier diversity programs including companies led by women, to eliminate gender stereotypes in all company media and communication material, and to encourage their business partners to adopt WEPs and report on their work on SDG 5.

Principle 6. Promote equality through community initiatives and leading by example

The impact of companies on local development is enormous. For this reason, this principle urges companies to take advantage of the influence of the organization to involve communities and interest groups in gender equality.

Principle 7. Evaluate and disseminate the progress made in favor of gender equality

It is useless to work on the above principles if we do not have a system for monitoring and reporting the results that help us move towards the objectives. That is indeed the goal of this last principle, which must be present in all stages of the entity's work on the matter.

Regina Robinson

www.reginarobinsonspeaks.com