ECOP and DI successfully hold a learning event on achieving gender equality and reducing inequalities in the workplace
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), in partnership with the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), successfully concluded a learning event titled “Employers for the Global Goals: Achieving Gender Equality (SDG5) and Reducing Inequalities (SDG10) in the Workplace” on August 13, 2024, at the St. Giles Makati Hotel, Makati City. The event explored the intersection of gender equality, reducing inequalities, and the role of businesses in driving these critical UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Mr. Jose Roland A. Moya, Director-General of ECOP, who emphasized the importance of aligning business strategies with global goals to create a more inclusive and sustainable work environment. He highlighted ECOP’s commitment to promoting diversity and equity in the workplace.
DI India Partnerships and Projects Director Mr. Tobias Hansen and DI Senior Adviser Ms. Clara Halvorsen also graced the event to provide an in-depth overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs No. 5 (Gender Equality) and No. 10 (Reducing Inequalities). They discussed the critical role these goals play in shaping a fair and just society and how businesses can contribute by integrating these principles into their operations. The session laid a strong foundation for understanding the significance of gender equality and the reduction of inequalities in achieving sustainable growth.
Ms. Abigail R. Gorospe, ECOP’s Deputy Director-General, then presented an overview of ECOP’s ongoing work in the areas of gender equality and DEI. She outlined the various programs and projects ECOP has initiated to support its members in achieving these goals, including training sessions, policy advocacy, and partnerships with international organizations. ECOP Project Specialist Daniella Reyes also shared ECOP’s new service called the SDG Value Scan, a tool assisting businesses in identifying the most relevant SDGs for their operations, as well as the newly established ECOP SDG Network.
Executive Director of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) Ms. Julia Abad also delivered an insightful presentation on the importance of workplace gender equality. She shared practical strategies for businesses to implement gender-responsive policies and discussed the role of sustainability reporting in tracking progress toward gender equality.
Following the lunch break, Ms. Diana Pardo-Aguilar, Vice President of ECOP and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, delivered a message of support underscoring ECOP’s ongoing efforts to promote DEI in the workplace. She reaffirmed ECOP’s dedication to the UN SDGs and encouraged member companies to actively participate in these initiatives.
The afternoon session featured a compelling presentation by Ms. Clara Halvorsen on the “Diversity Pledge” initiative by the DI. Ms. Halvorsen shared best practices from Denmark on fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace, providing valuable insights for Filipino companies looking to adopt similar approaches.
Under the ECOP-DI SPA2 project entitled “Strengthening Bipartite Relations and Promoting Green, Inclusive, and Sustained Growth“, ECOP aims to localize the Diversity Pledge and DEI tools presented by DI. The event provided an opportunity to gauge the relevance and interest of Filipino companies in the said tools. The lively exchange of ideas underscored the collective commitment to driving progress in these areas.
ECOP and DI are set to begin discussions on the localization of the Diversity Pledge and gender audit tools in the Philippines by November 2024.