MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
Dear Members and Partners,
We are pleased to present the second edition of PBCWE’s bi-annual newsletter, now officially known as PBCWE Lead.
As the organization transitions towards a social enterprise model, in line with our vision to expand beyond Metro Manila and collaborate with the government sector, PBCWE envisions this newsletter to become the leading online publication on Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the
Philippines This newsletter aims to serve as a platform for PBCWE members to showcase their best practices and initiatives, and as a valuable learning tool and source of inspiration for the broader business community.
In this edition, we continue to highlight the significant strides made by PBCWE’s Executive Team and coalition members over the past six months We are especially excited to put the spotlight on Accenture, one of PBCWE's Founding Members and a leader in DEI in the Philippines. Accenture achieved top marks in all 12 Focus Areas of the GEARS (Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies) assessment Thus, we dedicated a page to feature their holistic approach to DEI, encompassing policies, practices, and programs, with the hope that their work will inspire other PBCWE members in developing their own DEI initiatives Furthermore, this edition showcases the activities of our members and Executive Team over the past six months as they engage with external stakeholders on WGE and DEI.
As organizations face increasing demands for fairness and representation, sharing knowledge and setting examples in WGE and DEI strategies has become more crucial Equitable and inclusive workplaces drive innovation, enhance employee engagement, and reflect societal values Addressing these issues not only helps achieve social justice but also boosts business performance, making WGE and DEI essential for creating sustainable, thriving, and resilient organizations.
Warm regards,
Ma. Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia
PhilWEN Founding Chairperson and President
PBCWE Governing Council Chairperson
WORD FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to the second edition of the biannual PBCWE newsletter, now officially called PBCWE Lead We are excited to share key activities undertaken by the Executive Team over the last 6 months, as well as initiatives led or participated in by coalition members as we drive systemic change together and amplify our voice in the Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) space
In this edition, we shine a spotlight on Accenture, one of PBCWE's Founding Members and a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Philippines Accenture achieved leading practice results in all 12 Focus Areas (FAs) of the GEARS (Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies) assessment, obtaining top marks in each We dedicate a page to them so that they can share with their co-members their holistic approach to DEI, encompassing policies, practices, and programs, and hope that their work will serve as an inspiration for other PBCWE members as they develop their own DEI initiatives.
Our Vision and Path Forward
As we mark our 7th year of partnership with Investing in Women, we share with you again key updates about the coalition as announced by our Executive Director, Julia Abad, at the last GMM-Gender Working Group event on June 30th
PBCWE is embarking on a new phase of growth, transitioning from a non-profit model to a social enterprise model over the next three years This transformation will establish us as an independent business consultancy dedicated to advocating Workplace Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Philippines As PBCWE transitions, we aim to reach local companies beyond Metro Manila, recognizing that many SMEs and large businesses in provincial cities seek to establish their own WGE and DEI policies.
In terms of partnerships, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with the government sector. And in terms of services, our goal is to become a government-accredited provider of training services in partnership with the Professional Regulatory Commission and the Philippine Commission on Women. We also aim to establish a pool of trainers capacitated to deliver PBCWE modules and offer certification courses by 2026
WORD FROM THE EDITOR
New Members
We also warmly welcome six new member companies to PBCWE, bringing our total to 45 member companies from diverse industries, all committed to fostering gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace:
Evident Integrated Marketing & PR
Foundever Philippines
Emerson Philippines
Training and Capacity-Building
Athena Jollibee Foods Corporation ING Hubs Philippines
In the last seven years, PBCWE has developed 18 capacity-building modules covering topics such as Gender 101, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Disability Inclusion, LGBTQIA+ Inclusion, Inclusive Leadership, and more As of May 2024, we have conducted over 90 training sessions, engaging more than 20,000 participants. Our efforts have also included organizing over 90 events and establishing 17 partnerships with like-minded organizations
Digital Marketing and Media Presence
Our digital outreach continues to grow, with over 20,000 reaches and 16,000 engagements on social media We have also gained significant traction in mainstream media, featuring 12 publications, over 30 articles and op-eds, and more than 10 interviews and TV appearances.
WORD FROM THE EDITOR
To support our expanding objectives, we have welcomed new members to our Executive Team and introduced familiar faces in new roles:
Amica Laine Francisco – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager
Pauline Mei Wagan - MEL and Client Engagement Coordinator
Anjanette Bansao – Policy Officer
Martha Falcon - Strategic Communications and Engagement Officer
Celso Santiago JR - CEO Platform Program Director
Christia De Castro - Program and Admin Officer
Pamela De Veyra - Operations and Contracts Manager
Roger Dequiro - Program Manager
We hope this bi-annual publication will not only serve as a valuable learning resource for all members but also as a record of our collective work towards meaningful change.
Carlo Abayon PBCWE Communications & Marketing Officer
Accenture in the Philippines: Championing Inclusion and Diversity
Accenture in the Philippines is at the forefront of fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, celebrating the unique talents of its people. Our steadfast commitment to this endeavor has earned us accolades, including the top score on Disability:IN’s Disability Equality Index for 2024 and recognition as one of the Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities in 2024. We have also been honored by the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) as the BPM Company of the Year and the Innovative Program of the Year in their recent Solaia Awards. Additionally, we ranked among the top workplaces in the Great Place to Work®: Philippines’ Best Workplaces in IT-BPM for 2024.
A program for everyone: Integrating I&D into Corporate Citizenship
Our flagship integrated community development program “Sulong Pinoy“ aims to drive social impact across partner communities in Manila, Cebu and Ilocos. We worked with I-HOME Greater Manila recently and awarded housing units for six families with members who have disabilities in Taguig City and conducted ‘Hour of Code’ sessions for 30+ students with disabilities, emphasizing digital upskilling. Read more here
Be without limits: Driving women empowerment
For International Women’s Day, we held several events such as Leaders’ Summit and group speed mentoring sessions with leaders from the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC). We also bagged the Biggest Delegation Award in the FCC x Women’s Run and hosted the ’Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges Girls Hackathon’ in partnership with The Purposeful Mochii. Our Corporate Citizenship activities for women and project-led IWD segments-in-a-box sessions were held successfully. Read more here.
Champion disability inclusion: Spotlighting our Accessibility Center
In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), we hosted a media briefing at our flagship Accessibility Center in Mandaluyong. We also showcased the Accessibility Center in external events such as the Accenture x IBPAP C-Suite Forum held last June. This initiative showed the center’s assistive tools to a broader audience, increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of prioritizing accessibility in the workplace. Accenture is committed to enhancing accessibility and fostering an inclusive environment for all. Learn more here.
Pride means more: Celebrating diversity; Participation in Pride Month activities triples
We kicked our Pride Month’s celebration into high gear with our “Pride Means More” campaign, focusing on four key pillars: Awareness, Equality, Visibility and Belonging. It was great to see 1,800+ of our colleagues and allies in Pride Marches across Cebu, Ilocos and Manila. Additionally, 1,200 participated in enriching SOGIESC trainings to deepen our understanding of LGBTIQ+ issues. The celebrations culminated in a vibrant Pride Fiesta held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu and Ilocos, featuring engaging panel discussions, lively performances and a fundraising concert to support our Sulong Pinoy initiative. Curious about the different ways we foster an inclusive workplace? Learn more here.
“We at Accenture in the Philippines believe that inclusion and diversity is a driver of innovation. It is made possible not only through training and upskilling programs but also in the companies’ commitment to provide people with an inclusive and barrier-free environment led by leaders who mentor, support and inspire everyone to take on opportunities for both their professional and personal growth. It is our commitment as a company and a community of allies to help ensure that the future is full of equal opportunities for all.”
Ambe C. Tierro Country Managing Director & Technology Lead Accenture in the Philippines
WOMEN WHO LEAD
“Women Who Lead” is a monthly opinion column of the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN), in collaboration with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, one of the largest newspaper companies in the country. It features a pool of contributing writers that champion Workplace Gender Equality (WGE), Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Philippines.
Finding Your Tribe
Dignifying the Human Rights of PDLs
On Dec. 10, 1948, UDHR was signed at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France. Article 2 of the document proclaims that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms articulated in it such as persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) Read more here
Beyond belonging, it is finding one ’ s tribe We draw strength from each other’s achievements and resilience. There is a sense of solidarity that drives us to set new ambitious goals and strive for personal excellence in our current professional endeavors. Read more here
Women and Climate Change
Accelerating Gender Equality through Data
We have heard the saying “What gets measured gets done.” This is a famous quote from the management guru Peter Drucker who said it actually that “What gets measured gets managed ” Read more here
Imagine increasing temperatures and sea levels rising each day you come to work Somewhere in the world, a woman is suffering every time the temperature rises, even by just one degree. Now is it not time to make sure we plant enough trees to lower the global climate even just a notch? Read more here
Celebrating Filipino Women Enterpreneurs
The immense impact of women on the economy, whether globally, regionally, or locally, is a constant source of inspiration Especially notable are the Filipino women entrepreneurs. Read more here.
Women Solving the Climate Crisis
Climate change is a global crisis that affects everyone, but its impact is not evenly distributed. Women, particularly in developing countries like those who reside in the ASEAN region, are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change. Read more here.
MAP INSIGHTS
“MAP Insights” is an opinion column of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) in partnership with BusinessWorld, one of the Philippines business newspaper companies
The Journey of MSMEs: Are we there yet?
Micro, small and medium enterprises, commonly referred to as MSMEs, contribute significantly to the economy and job creation and are thus critical to economic development Read more here.
Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs
Studies show that $5 trillion is missing from Global GDP because of the gender gap in entrepreneurship, and that global GDP could rise by up to 6% if women and men participated equally in entrepreneurship. Read more here.
Empowering Women through Financial Education
The global dialogue on WEE to inspire positive change in the financial landscape for women is necessary to create a more inclusive and equitable financial platform for women in the Philippines and beyond. Read more here
OTHER ARTICLES
WorkplaceInclusion,BullyingandWomen Supportingwomen
Globally,oneinfivepeoplesaytheyhaveexperiencedworkplace antagonism, with most common toxic behaviors reported being manipulation (72%) and microaggressions or everyday putdowns(67%).Readmorehere.
CareWorkisNotjustWomen’sBusiness
Care work includes looking after children, the elderly or family members with disability, as well as daily domestic work like cooking, cleaning and washing. Care work is ubiquitous, yet it continuestogounrecognized.Inmyview,therearegoodreasons whythisissuemeritsgreaterattention Readmorehere
WELCOME EVENTS
AboitizPowerEnergizesEquality, PartnerswithPBCWEfora SustainableFuture
Asialink Finance Corporation, one of the leadingandfastest-growingfinancecompanies in the Philippines, officially joins PBCWE in tackling workplace gender equality (WGE) as part of the company ’ s pursuit to be more inclusive.
The company ’ s dedication to serving the financial needs of Filipinos remains apparent, andjoiningthecoalitionisevidenceofitsstrong commitment providing its clients not only equitablefinancialaccessbutalsobycreatinga diverse, gender-equal, and safe workplace cultureforitsemployees Readmorehere
AboitizPower, the holding company for the Aboitiz Group's investments in power, has partnered with PBCWE to reinforce their advocacy of building safe spaces and creating equitable opportunities that are diverse, inclusive,andsustainablefortheiremployees a clear indication of gearing towards the right pathofbecomingamoresustainablecompany inthelongrun Readmorehere
Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies (GEARS) is the first assessment tool designed for companies in Southeast Asia to gain a deep understanding of gaps, opportunities, and strengths of their current strategies in relation to Workplace Gender Equality (WGE). GEARS Assessment is a light-touch diagnostic tool that provides insights that will inform the development of your overarching WGE strategy The analysis aims to reflect companies’ gender balance and employee movements across the organization and assess their policies and implementation against leading practices
As of June 2024, more than 60 companies in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar have completed the assessment In 2022, PBCWE piloted an additional two GEARS Focus Areas on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by incorporating measures on Disability Inclusion (Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations) and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace Following this pilot, these two Focus Areas and DEI indicators will be available as an option across Indonesia and Myanmar starting July 2024
During the Annual GMM-GWG last June, ACCIONA Southeast Asia was one of the two companies recognized for completing the Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies (GEARS) Assessment and implementing some of its Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) action plans ACCIONA underwent an Action Planning workshop last February 20 and has completed its five (5) WGE/DEI committed plans on the following focus areas: 1 ) Preventing and Addressing Gender-based Harassment, 2.) Improving Recruitment, Selection, and Promotion Processes, and 3 ) LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace
MERALCO was also recognized for diligently implementing its Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies (GEARS) Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) action plans Meralco started its Action Planning in August 2023 and has adopted and implemented seven (7) of its committed Action Plans since then Meralco has set its action priorities on the following focus areas: 1.) Leadership and Accountability, 2.) Recruitment, Selection, and Promotion, 3.) Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations, and 4 ) Workplace Gender Equality Training
MERALCO is the first distribution utility member company of PBCWE and the first company in its industry to undergo the assessment
Last February, KPMG Philippines completed the GEARS Assessment and participated in an Action Planning Workshop facilitated by PBCWE KPMG Philippines is committed to continuing visible executive leadership in advancing gender equality, developing and implementing capacity development programs on WGE/DEI, promoting flexible work, and ensuring LGBTQIA+ inclusion in their workplace. KPMG Philippines remains steadfast in its advocacy to pursue an inclusive, diverse, and equitable by putting the wellness of its workforce at the forefront of its business
Accenture Philippines is one of the first two PBCWE Founding Members who have completed the EDGE Certification and have been re-assessed through the GEARS Assessment Tool in June 2024. Accenture is currently the leading company assessed in GEARS in the Philippines, being the first company to score leading practice in all 12 Focus Areas in GEARS and obtain top marks in each focus area. The next step for the firm is to undergo the GEARS Action Planning to identify opportunities for being WGE champions and lead industry-based and coalitionwide discussions on diversity and inclusion.
MEMBERS’ COMPANIES EVENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS
PLDT-Smart Communications Chief Sustainability Officer, Melissa Vergel de Dios, joins the panel discussion at the PBCWE General Membership Meeting (GMM): Gender Working Group (GWG) and Policy Forum Devoting her time and expertise, Melissa shared why WGE and DEI are important in the ever-changing landscape of the telecommunications sector Read more here
MEMBERS’ COMPANIES EVENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS
Group conducted another virtual learning session with PBCWE on “Supporting our #SuperHERoes: A Guide to Becoming a Better Ally to Women at Work” last March 22, 2024 Read more here.
The Jollibee Group has reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment and diversity through two key initiatives launched during International Women’s Month in partnership with the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) The Jollibee Group is the first quickservice restaurant (QSR) member company of PBCWE. en in the workplace, the Jollibee nk (PNB) spearheads a virtual s Day Special held last May 24, E In-House Training Consultant, d “Mama, Mama, OK ka pa ba? y?] Embracing Smart Energy Delving into the day-to-day
challenges working mothers face, this unique capacity-building module from PBCWE provides practical recommendation to cope up and manage stressors that affect wellness of working mothers and building boundaries between personal and professional life.
PARTNERS’ EVENTs AND PARTICIPATIONS
As part of its commitment to pursuing a dialogue among business coalitions (BCs) in Southeast Asia, Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian government organized its first virtual regional event last March 13 Joining Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE) and Business Coalition for Gender Equality (BCGE), the event focused on the state of gender equality in the workplace in the region Featuring DEI champions from across the region, the event shed light on best practices and challenges in fostering gender-equal workplace policies, and highlighted how the Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies (GEARS) tool could help companies identify gender priorities and areas for improvement. Member company, DDB Group Philippines represented PBCWE at the regional event
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and PhilWEN through PBCWE conducted a design thinking workshop entitled “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy last January 23. The workshop gathered
PARTNERS’ EVENTs AND PARTICIPATIONS
insights from women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the digital economy. Recommendations and action steps which transpired from the workshop have been lobbied to policymakers in the hopes of crafting effective policies to address the immediate needs of women in the digital economy
As the first collaboration event, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) partnered with PBCWE in organizing a two-hour learning event on “Empowering Inclusion through Gender Diversity and Allyship” last June 27. The learning event aimed at enhancing the participants’ understanding and commitment to gender diversity and
allyship Additionally, it addressed three core areas: the importance of inclusive business practices, the complexities of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), and featured practical steps toward becoming effective allies Read more here.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with GREAT Women and the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, held a workshop last 1 February 2024 at the RCBC Yuchengco Museum in Makati City Aligned with the guide published by ILO, the workshop discussed the value and steps for integrating relevant and applicable gender-
inclusive policies, practices, and as an approach in financial and development programs After the workshop, participants were expected to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to better identify the various needs of women entrepreneurs and consequently, apply the in improving products and service offerings As a result of this workshop, PBCWE developed a module inspired by this ILO guide, and was piloted during International Women’s Month which is timely for IWD’s theme: Inspire Inclusion. Read more here
Last March 14, PhilWEN Founding Chairperson and President and PBCWE Governing Council Chairperson Boots Garcia joined The Manila Times, one of the leading daily newspaper companies in the Philippines, International Women’s Month celebration with the theme “Inspiring Inclusivity, Our Collective Responsibility.” Boots joined the women ’ s forum alongside foreign government officials and industry leaders and shared PhilWEN and PBCWE’s work with the private sector, especially on championing workplace gender equality across various industries. Read more here.
PARTNERS’ EVENTs AND PARTICIPATIONS
Last June 27, PBCWE Executive Director Julia Abad joined the panel discussion during the Health Summit 2024: Harmony at Work – Building a Culture of Wellness. The event was organized by KonsultaMD, the Philippines’ healthcare aggregator application offering online consultations, medicine delivery, and clinic and diagnostic booking. Sharing the best practices from PBCWE member companies, Abad emphasized the importance of diverse and inclusive policies and programs in creating a safe and healthy workplace environment. Read more here
Joining the esteemed panelists, PBCWE Executive Director Julia Abad participated in the “fireside chat” organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for International Women’s Month last March 19, which focused on women ’ s leadership. The conversations highlighted the challenges faced by women in reaching leadership positions in their organizations and industries, and actions that women, men, and companies can take to advance gender equality in the workplace.
PBCWE In-House Training Development Consultant Jennifer Anne Mendoza joined the panel discussion during the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM) during its International Women’s Month celebration last March 19. With the theme “Inspire Inclusion: Advancing Social Inclusion in the Workplace,” Mendoza’s lived experiences were instrumental in realizing that apart from gender-related issues, work-related challenges are also experienced by persons with disabilities, especially those who are members of the workforce Read more here
To establish a presence in the Philippine marketing industry alongside influential leaders and experts in the country, PBCWE’s very own Business Development and Marketing Manager, Jennifer Love Reyes participated in the 70th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) held last April 30 as its chair for creative communications Gearing towards sustainability marketing, the event focused on eco-friendly fashion, which highlighted PMA’s advocacies including green marketing campaigns that are rooted in circular economy principles and integrated with artificial intelligence Read more here
2024 GWG LEARNING EVENT
PBCWE’s first Gender Working Group (GWG) Learning Event for the year, titled "#MeasuringDEI: Are we doing alright?" was held on January 31, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom
The phrase "What gets measured gets acted upon " has been the guiding principle for PBCWE in promoting effective and sustainable workplace gender equality (WGE) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and programs. With over 40 members and nearly 7 years of experience in assessments, program implementation, and evaluation, PBCWE emphasizes the importance of using indicators and measures to track progress and impact. As member companies increasingly prioritize WGE and DEI, they have sought guidance on how to evaluate their programs ' organizational impact
Identifying metrics helps set the direction for organizational strategies, particularly in monitoring DEI progress. Clear DEI outcomes with well-defined indicators foster organizational accountability and provide a nuanced understanding of results by assessing contributing factors. With these measures, companies can make evidence-based decisions and ensure DEI becomes a sustainable, integral part of their workplace culture.
Thus, the GWG Learning Event in January focused on measuring DEI success, sharing best practices, and inspiring concrete action towards inclusive workplaces The event provided a platform for participants to benchmark and learn from one another, promoting knowledge exchange and collective efforts. With 29 out of 42 member companies in attendance, the 95 participants had the opportunity to learn from Investing in Women, the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE), and PBCWE member companies recognized
for their successful DEI programs using the Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies (GEARS) tool – Accenture Philippines and Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
Tanya Lutvey, Workstream 1 Program Manager of Investing in Women, discussed the four interdependent areas that provide insight into measuring DEI and assessing organizational effectiveness. Tanya, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist with a strong background in developing and implementing intersectional gender equality policies, shared practical tips for advancing DEI work. With over a decade of experience focusing on gender and social inclusion issues in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, she aimed to provide actionable guidance for the GWG participants
The four key areas Tanya identified were:
1 Demographic Data: Essential for sustainable DEI initiatives, requiring voluntary and accurate collection beyond binary gender data to include demographics such as LGBTQIA+ and disability. Utilizing these data sets helps in understanding and improving DEI efforts.
2. External Benchmarks: These optimize business areas, identify improvement opportunities, compare with industry competitors, and set realistic goals, leading to data-driven decisions for increased efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
3 Internal Benchmarks: Involve consistent data collection, matching demographic categories, and using employee surveys to measure organizational performance on WGE/DEI. Presenting this data in a digestible format and celebrating successes motivates teams and reinforces continuous improvement.
4 Good Governance: Ensures ownership over outcomes to the communities it represents
Meanwhile, Wita Krisanti, the Executive Director of the Indonesian Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, discussed DEI progress from the GEARS perspective
She was followed by Ambe Tierro, Country Managing Director at Accenture, and Kristine Rowan, Head of Sustainability Programs at Meralco, shared best practices in showcasing organizational success stories in WGE/DEI and the sustainability perspective of DEI success, respectively.
The session particularly targeted the core teams of PBCWE member companies, including HR representatives, DEI/WGE champions, internal and external communications, and the PBCWE executive team. The dynamic and interactive webinar included keynote presentations, workshops, and Q&A sessions, allowing participants to engage with peers and experts, share experiences, and gain valuable insights
By the end of the session, PBCWE hoped that the participants gained valuable insights on defining relevant indicators and measures for WGE/DEI programs, best practices for monitoring and evaluating DEI progress, and leveraging GEARS results and action plans
Anna Chua-Norbert, Group Chief Culture Officer and Group Managing Director of DDB Philippines, and PBCWE GC Vice Chair concluded the event.
2024 GMM: GWG and WRAAP POLICY FORUM
year ’ s second Gender Working Group (GWG) session. This much-awaited event aimed to bring PBCWE members together to reflect on their progress in advancing workplace gender equality (WGE) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their organizations. This year ’ s theme focused on inclusive workplace policies, aligning with PBCWE’s project under the Women’s Rights, Action, and Advocacy Project (WRAAP) of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) With the project concluded, the GMM-GWG also served as a culmination of WRAAP stakeholders' learnings and experiences.
53 participants from PBCWE’s diverse membership, spanning sectors such as Advertising/Public Relations, Air Transportation, Banking, Construction, Financing, Holdings, Infrastructure, Insurance, IT-BPM, Power and Energy, Professional Services, Real Estate, Shipping and Logistics, Telecommunications, and Wholesale and Retail, attended the event to exchange insights and collaborate on best practices
Sustainability Reporting with a Gender Lens
One of the key highlights of this year ’ s GMM-GWG event was the attendance of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chief Counsel of the Corporate Governance and Finance Department, Atty. Mara Louise A. Ruiz. Atty. Ruiz was invited to discuss Sustainability Reporting with a Gender Lens. She noted that the gender disclosures proposed by PBCWE contributed to the updated Sustainability Reporting Form, commending PBCWE’s advocacy to include gender composition (total number of each employee level by gender) in sustainability reports She also highlighted how, because of PBCWE, the SEC recognized the value of
identifying women on boards to see the impact of having women in decision-making roles. This recognition underscores PBCWE’s significant role in shaping sustainability reporting standards in the Philippines that now better reflect gender metrics. Workshop on Support Needed for Sustainability Reporting
Central to the morning's Gender Working Group activity were the Gender Indicators advocated by PBCWE for inclusion in SEC sustainability reports Atty Ruiz's remarks perfectly aligned with the workshop's goals, which aimed to help PBCWE member companies identify the support needed to comply with policies on gender-based harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, and bullying, as well as to establish formal grievance mechanisms in anticipation of the new sustainability reporting standards.
The workshop’s initial findings revealed a demand for training and policy development on various topics, including anti-discrimination, DEI/WGE efforts, anti-sexual harassment, equal pay and opportunities, gender sensitivity, managing unconscious bias, and inclusive leadership Participants also identified challenges such as budget constraints, leadership buy-in, human resource complement, and organizational readiness
WRAAP Policy Forum – Panel Session
As part of the culmination of PBCWE’s WRAAP (Women’s Rights Action and Advocacy Project), a policy forum was also held featuring representatives from member companies including Cebu Pacific, DDB, Teleperformance, and PLDT-Smart. They shared their experiences in policy development and implementation, offering insights on fostering gender equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Anna Chua-Norbert, Group Chief Culture Officer of DDB Group Philippines emphasized the crucial role of leadership in driving DEI policies:
“At the core of this shift is the belief that both men and women can—and should—share the responsibility of nurturing a home that stands as a beacon of equality and mutual respect for future generations. We fix the system, not the people. The evolving landscape of work and family life, our decision to embrace work-from-home (WFH) policies is not just a response to external challenges; it’s a strategic move to build a more equitable, safer, flexible, and supportive working environment. As leaders, we made that into policy, together with the revision of our Employee Handbook, with help in writing from PBCWE It’s quite a challenge, it’s a new concept But like all things new, it has to be done, and has to be started, and it has to be a business decision.”
Jessica Villareal Maralit Employee Engagement Group Manager of Cebu Pacific highlighted how their GEARS Assessment and Policy Consultation with PBCWE helped enhance their policies:
“We realized that the policies we have were not perfect, so we reached out to PBCWE to have the GEARS Assessment, they also offered a Policy Consultation to help us identify what areas in our policies and practices can be further improved – how we can enhance initiatives to make an inclusive and equitable space for our employees ”
Melissa Vergel De Dios Chief Sustainability Officer of PLDT-Smart discussed the importance of data-driven insights in promoting and implementing inclusive policies:
“It’s not only for DEI policies but for most things because what does not get measured does not get managed. It is important that the database is available and accurate, it is also important that the framework for data gathering should evolve in step with developments such as those in data privacy and new gender identities ”
the value of intersectionality in DEI efforts:
“We started with the intent to be intersectional in our approach, recognizing that individuals are multi-layered and come from diverse identities We capitalized on this understanding A common challenge in DEI efforts is when different groups or communities don’t talk to each other: women groups are talking, the LGBTQIA+ community is talking, and people with disabilities are talking—but often, these discussions don’t intersect. By having an appreciation of intersectionality and the unique challenges faced by individuals across various marginalized groups, we were able to ensure that our policies are comprehensive and truly foster inclusivity ”
Moving towards systemic change
The morning ended with a recognition given to members who completed the Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies, and to the companies involved in piloting policy consultations through WRAAP. PBCWE expressed profound gratitude to all WRAAP policy consultants for their dedication and expertise, essential in advancing the coalition’s mission and impact.
The Annual General Membership Meeting and Gender Working Group event showcased the coalition’s steadfast dedication to advancing workplace equity and driving systemic change. By offering a platform for member companies to collaborate with each other, and exchange experiences, challenges and successes, PBCWE is effectively fostering a more inclusive and gender-equal future in the Philippines
Invictus Buenaventura DEI Manager of Teleperformance Philippines underscored
PBCWE LED-ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
To engage the public on advocacies such as empowering women and ensuring a safe workplace culture, PBCWE organized a public webinar on “Creating Safe and Respectful Spaces” that was developed based on the tenets of the Anti-Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces Act of 2019 as part of PBCWE’s unique capacity-building and training modules offered to its member companies The public webinar held last March 19 provided participants with fundamental concepts, insights into relevant policies, and the legal framework surrounding sexual harassment, along with strategies for addressing it within workplace environments.
This year, PBCWE has partially released its latest study on Census of Women in Leadership Teams within Philippine Publicly Listed Companies (PLCs) This study, undertaken in partnership with Investing in Women (IW) and WR Numero Research, provides key evidence linking workplace gender equality and increased female representation in leadership positions to improved business performance and sustainability within Philippine PLCs Launching this August, the event aims to engage stakeholders from various industries and sectors on the significant role of women in holding key leadership positions and looking at businesses with a gender-lens approach.
LEARNING TOOLS AND RESOURCES
The World Economic Forum released its latest Global Gender Gap in June 2024. Received with mixed reactions on sudden drop from 16th in 2023 to 25th place this year. Educational attainment across genders remains the strongest indicator in the country, placing first among the 146 countries evaluated this year. Through our collective pursuit in closing the gender gap, PBCWE is optimistic that significant efforts in addressing structural, economic, and socio-cultural challenges inhibiting women from achieving full economic participation will create lasting impact nationally and globally. Read more here
A joint study by Investing in Women and Villgro Philippines described as a “report that aims to highlight the potential for gender lens investing in the Philippines, focusing on women entrepreneurs' perspectives on the gender finance gap ” this provides a closer look on the critical role of women in contributing to the Philippine economic landscape, driving growth and closing the finance gap with gender lens approach Read more here
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has released its annual labor survey, providing the latest data on labor market and employment situations affecting workers in the Philippines. The results revealed that from the participants surveyed registered a 65 3% Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), in which 55.1% are female As of March 2024, majority of women are employed in the wholesale and retail trade coupled with most increased participation in the manufacturing sector Read more here
A quick guide for financial and business development services providers. International Labour Organization published this guide in 2022 aimed at illustrating the benefits of targeting women entrepreneurs. Read more here.
LEARNING TOOLS AND RESOURCES
In February 2024, the Philippines became the first country in Asia and the 38th in the world to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No 190 on Violence and Harassment in the Workplace. This marks the country’s commitment to protecting workers and ensuring social justice in the country’s labor sector. The decision is a significant step towards recognizing the impact of unsafe and inequitable workplaces in the country, and how companies and workers can work together to prevent and eliminate it from happening. Read more here
As part of our continuous effort to engage with the public sector, PBCWE is delighted to have contributed to the implementation of the revised sustainability reporting guidelines and sustainability report (SuRe) form. Since 2022, PBCWE is working together with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in various consultations on how gender indicators can further expand to encompass other metrics such as the number of women hired, the representation of women on the board, and the presence of women in senior management positions, among other gender-related metrics beneficial to Philippine publicly-listed companies (PLCs) sustainability goals Read more here
Make your Viber conversations more vibrant and meaningful with special PBCWE Sticker Packs inspired by everyday empowered women Scan the QR code or click here to download
PBCWE EXECUTIVE TEAM
The PBCWE Executive Team comprises experts and professionals delivering services such as WGE and DEI assessments, capacity-building training and d l h d l f knowledge resource materials, and event management supp . These are the people behind PBCWE:
ANA BOBADILLA Partnerships Manager
ANJANETTE BANSAO Policy Officer
CELSO SANTIAGO, JR. Program Director - CEO Platform
DONNA IBEAS Finance Manager
JULIA ABAD Executive Director
MARTHA FALCON Strat Comms & Engagement Officer
PAMELA DE VEYRA Operations & Contracts Manager
REUBEN JAMES BARRETE Program Manager
AMICA LAINE FRANCISCO MEL Manager
CARLO ABAYON Communications & Marketing Officer
CHRISTIA DE CASTRO Program & Admin Officer
JENNIFER LOVE REYES Bus Dev and Marketing Manager
NADYA LAZARO Program Manager & Training Lead MALOU LATADA Finance & Grants Specialist
PAULINE WAGAN MEL & Client Engagement Coordinator
ROGER DEQUIRO Program Manager
PBCWE Leads is a property of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment. Some materials are credited to PBCWE's partners and stakeholders, as well as from free-sourcing websites
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