IN a move that was meant to achieve gender equality at the places of work SRHR Africa Trust(SAT) together with Sex Rights Africa,a global organization that advocates for equality and equity at work place has launched the 50:50 workplace policy at regional level.
By Patricia Mashiri
The policy is aimed at encouraging commitment for addressing gender inequality at workplace which is urgent given the extent of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Speaking during the launch, the guest of honor Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, the Chairperson for the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) congratulated SAT for launching the workplace 50:50 policy saying it encourages commitment by organizations to advance gender equality and equity are guiding principles in the workplace.
The deliberate steps that SAT is making in driving the Workplace 50:50 and the change we want to see on our efforts to reach gender parity is commendable. Organizations needs need diverse talent to optimize performance and over the years we have seen that women’s leadership has gained tremendous strides, but not enough.
“We recognize your in contribution to equal, safe and decent workplaces and eliminating barriers through addressing inequalities in the world of work. We commend you for bringing and sharing best practices that has made us responsive to gender issues at workplace,” said Commissioner Sangarwe.
She added that support to gender equality in the workplace meant fostering a supportive culture for al staff and required corporal commitment.
The policy is made up of seven commitments in which organizations who wishes to sign up should be committed to. These commitments include defining gender equality and equity in institutional places, making equitable governance, management, staffing and remuneration decisions, making visible commitment to gender equality in external representation of organization.
Meanwhile, Dr Mildred Mushunje, SAT Country Director encouraged entities and organizations to sign up for workplace 50:50 as it comes with a lot of benefits.
“The benefits are quite many for organizations which includes access to resources to go through the gender journey, become part of a bigger network that is committed to gender equity.
“Workplace 50:50 is a platform that encourages commitment and active planning to ensuring that gender equality and equity are guiding principles. It is how we run our organizations and agencies at both level management representation. If you look at your management, pay structure is there evidence of gender parity or there are instances where another gender is favored over another,”Dr Mushunje said.
The workplace 50:50 is open to everyone and every organization which would want to be part of it in achieving gender equality and equity at the workplace.
