Summary
This tool kit discusses the pervasive impact of societal norms on gender roles within the workplace and offers actionable strategies for companies to enhance gender equality. It highlights the common stereotypes that limit both menโs and womenโs professional opportunities and contributions, such as the perception of women primarily as caregivers and men as breadwinners. These stereotypes not only hinder womenโs advancement in leadership roles but also dissuade men from participating in caregiving roles. The brief emphasises the role of corporate leadership in driving change by implementing policies that promote gender equality, such as flexible working arrangements, parental leave, and initiatives to prevent workplace harassment. By showcasing successful examples from across Southeast Asia, it demonstrates how embracing gender diversity can lead to increased productivity, better employee retention, and overall business resilience, especially in adapting to new challenges like those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
- Stereotypes that confine women to caregiving roles and men to breadwinning are pervasive, impacting recruitment, retention, and promotion practices within companies.
- Flexible work arrangements and supportive policies, like those implemented by LโOreal Indonesia and Shwe Taung Group in Myanmar, can attract a broader talent pool and support both women and men in balancing work and family responsibilities.
- Implementing comprehensive strategies to combat workplace harassment and promote gender diversity, as seen with Unileverโs advocacy programs, can enhance workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
- Training and policies aimed at eliminating gender bias in hiring and promotions are crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.
- Public acknowledgment of companiesโ efforts towards gender equality, like those by Danone Indonesia, not only boosts corporate image but also motivates other companies to follow suit, creating broader industry impacts.
