MANILA—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.
With the awarding of five new EDGE Certifications on 7 November 2018, all founding members of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment are now recognised by the leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for gender equality.
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.
“I congratulate the five Philippine companies on this achievement. They have made a commitment to achieve gender-parity in their companies – and are turning good intentions into concrete action.” said Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely.
“Australia is pleased to be working with PBCWE. It is a strong coalition that has encouraged more businesses to promote gender equality in the workplace,” the Ambassador added. “Research has shown the empowerment of women drives economic growth and company financial performance.”
PBCWE members receive grant assistance for EDGE Certification from Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government, in support of the Philippine Government’s efforts in promoting gender equality and economic parity.
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.
Ms Ma Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia, Chair of the Philippine Women’s Economic Network and Co-Chair of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment speaks during the EDGE awarding ceremony on 7 November 2018.
“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.
The 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 membership@pbcwe.com.
About PBCWE
The Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) was launched in March 2017 with the support of Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government. In the Philippines, IW has partnered with the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) to create a business coalition to pursue gender equality in the workplace and women’s economic empowerment nationwide.
The PBCWE is comprised of influential businesses that are large employers who will take the appropriate steps to improve gender equity in their own workplaces and to influence businesses, both in their supply chains and other large businesses, and to also become better employers of women. PBCWE’s founding members are Accenture, Ayala, Convergys (now Concentrix), Magsaysay Group of Companies, Natasha, SGV and Co., and SSI Group.
About Investing in Women
Investing in Women was initiated in 2016 by the Australian Government to catalyse inclusive economic growth in Southeast Asia.
The initiative’s goals are to:
- Improve women’s participation in the workforce and as business leaders.
- Enhance women’s voice in decision making and leadership.
- Influence the private and public sectors to recognise and promote the value of gender equality.
Investing in Women is implemented in Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam with the head office in Manila.
About the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN)
The Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) is a consortium of 6 women’s groups,
representing a broad section of industries where women participate: business, professionals
(middle management, CEOs, Board Directors), entrepreneurs (start-ups, SMEs, established
businesses).
PhilWEN advocates the economic empowerment of women through initiatives that encompass a wide age and socio-economic reach.