#IWD2019: Corporate responsibility and gender diversity
International Women’s Day takes place every year on March 8. This year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter, because a gender-balanced world is a better world – for both organisations and individuals alike.
Check out the rest of our #IWD2019 coverage on our dedicated IWD tag!
About the Author |
Sisca Margaretta is the Chief Marketing Officer of Experian Asia-Pacific. In addition to driving Experian’s marketing and communication efforts in the Asia-Pacific, Margaretta leads the company’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives that are focused on building equal opportunities for inclusion across genders and socio-economic groups. |
At Experian, corporate responsibility is an organisational-wide creed, with employees at the heart of community initiatives.
The well-being of society and prosperity of our business are impossible to separate. Our corporate responsibility efforts focus on enabling greater financial inclusion across genders and socio-economic groups in Asia-Pacific.
With [our] diverse and dedicated team, we have already supported thousands of female foreign domestic workers in Asia with financial literacy programmes, educated 30,000 low-income individuals in India, especially women, on digital financial services and worked with 1,000 women in Vietnam to improve financial education levels and daily earnings.
Our corporate responsibility and volunteering activities bring employees together, inspiring a purpose beyond our day-to-day jobs.
hrmasia.com
The importance of diversity both outside and inside
Diversity and inclusion are key to developing thriving economies, organisations and communities in Asia-Pacific. Both internally and externally, we are focused on enabling greater diversity and inclusion for personal growth, leadership and entrepreneurship.
In fact, a more diverse workforce participation corresponds with higher economic growth for countries.
“The well-being of society and prosperity of our business are impossible to separate. |
According to a McKinsey report, advancing gender equality in the Asia-Pacific could add $4.5 trillion to the collective GDP in 2025, a 12% increase over a business-as-usual GDP trajectory (source: The power of parity: Advancing women’s equality in Asia Pacific).
Recognising the importance of the knowledge required to manage finances, we’re also collaborating with various social organisations to empower communities with financial and entrepreneurial skills.
The initiatives we drive externally are also directly linked to how we promote a sense of community among our employees and inspire them to be aware of the social impact they can make.
International Women’s Week is coming to @Experian!! #BalanceforBetter #IWD2019 #experianlife #womeninexperian pic.twitter.com/rEzySlywb9
— Ann Chen (@annj_chen) February 20, 2019
Inclusion and equality for all
Our internal and external initiatives focus on achieving inclusion and equality across genders, cultures and various community groups.
To address the unique career-related challenges faced by women, we created the Women in Experian Employee Resource Group. This support network sponsors panels and guest speakers and holds book clubs that get women talking.
It also offers a mentorship program, leadership development and networking events designed to connect women with one another.
We’re also sponsoring the Advancing Women in Technology Charitable Foundation, which awards scholarships to women pursuing careers in technology.
In Asia-Pacific, we have launched WILD: Women in Leadership Dive In, an initiative that focuses on strengthening our diversity pipeline.
Through a series of mentorship workshops and trainings, we hope to equip female talent in the region with leadership skills that will advance their careers.
We’re also committed to enable our employees through flexible working and employee benefits, such as enhanced parental leave scheme.
International Women’s Day takes place every year on March 8. This year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter, because a gender-balanced world is a better world – for both organisations and individuals alike.
Check out the rest of our #IWD2019 coverage on our dedicated IWD tag!