Makati City, Philippines—Five more Philippine companies have been recognised as global leaders in workplace gender equality, joining Ayala Land Inc. and Convergys Philippines, who received the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) Certification earlier this year. EDGE is a leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for gender equality, working with nearly 200 organizations all over the world.
The Australian Embassy in Manila presented EDGE Certification on Wednesday, 7 November 2018, to IT-BPM firm Accenture Philippines, the multi-industry company Magsaysay Group of Companies, direct selling company Natasha, specialty retailer SSI Group, Inc., and professional services firm Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co).
These companies are Founding Members of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE), formed in 2017 with support from Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government, in partnership with the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN). They represent some of the largest and most respected employers in the Philippines, together employing around 130,000 women and men.
“It is truly remarkable what PBCWE has achieved in less than two years. This reflects the efficiency, drive, and penchant for innovation that are so inherent in the corporate sector,” Nardia Simpson, Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Manila said at the awarding ceremony.
“Much of PBCWEs’ success has to do with the business leaders and CEOs of the member companies. You have driven the gender equality agenda as far and as wide as possible. Your reform leadership has undoubtedly kept the momentum going,” Ms Simpson added.
Accenture Philippines received the EDGE Move Certification, the first Philippine company at this level, which recognises milestone initiatives on assessment areas. All other PBCWE members received EDGE Assess certification, the first level, awarded to companies that make a public commitment to monitoring, benchmarking, and achieving workplace gender equality.
The assessment process involved data gathering, employee surveys, formulation of action plans to prioritize and address their most pressing gender issues based on results. To ensure impartiality, the certification process included a third-party auditor independently accredited to perform assessments of the companies against the EDGE Certification Standard.
“We take pride in a multi-industry Business Coalition, who have all backed up their workplace gender equality commitment with concrete action. This is how you walk the talk,” PhilWEN Chairperson and PBCWE Co-Chairperson Ma. Aurora “Boots” D. Geotina-Garcia said.
“With the present need and the workplace of the future in mind, it is our hope that more Philippine companies will follow suit,” she added.PBCWE will continue to support EDGE-Certified members by monitoring their progress and assisting in the implementation of their action plans. Companies who are interested in taking concrete steps towards achieving workplace gender equality may contact PBCWE at [email protected].
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