Importance of Gender Inclusion Workplace Programme in Pakistan

Importance of Gender Inclusion Workplace Programme in Pakistan

 

Importance of Gender Inclusion Workplace Programme in Pakistan

Gender inclusion in the workplace is crucial for the success of any business, and this is especially true in the Pakistani corporate sector. Creating a workplace that is inclusive can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and employee satisfaction. One of the most important reasons for promoting gender inclusion in the workplace is to tap into the full potential of the workforce. In Pakistan, women make up nearly half of the population, yet they are underrepresented in the corporate sector. By not including women in the workforce, companies are missing out on valuable talent and ideas. In addition to tapping into the full potential of the workforce, promoting gender inclusion can also lead to increased innovation and creativity. Diverse teams tend to come up with more innovative solutions to problems, as they bring different perspectives and experiences to the table. Gender inclusion can also lead to improved employee satisfaction. When employees feel included and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. This can result in increased productivity and lower turnover rates.

However, despite the benefits of gender inclusion, many Pakistani companies still struggle with creating an inclusive workplace. One of the main barriers to gender inclusion is cultural stereotypes and biases that perpetuate the idea that women are not suited for certain roles or industries. To promote gender inclusion in the workplace, companies should take a holistic approach that includes not only hiring and promoting women, but also creating a culture that supports and values them. This can include offering flexible work arrangements, providing training and development opportunities, and implementing policies that support diversity and inclusion.

In conclusion, promoting gender inclusion in the workplace is crucial for the success of Pakistani companies. By creating an inclusive culture and valuing the contributions of all employees, companies can tap into the full potential of the workforce, increase innovation and creativity, and improve employee satisfaction. It is important for Pakistani companies to understand the importance of gender inclusion and take the necessary steps to create a more inclusive workplace.

Blog by Bilal Ali

Communications Department, White Ribbon Pakistan

Benefits of Gender Inclusive Workplace

Benefits of Gender Inclusive Workplace

 

  • Benefits of Gender Inclusive Workplace

Women inclusion is key for business growth because it brings diversity of perspectives and ideas to the table, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to problems. Studies have shown that companies with greater gender diversity tend to have higher levels of creativity and productivity. Additionally, diversity in the workplace can also help companies connect with and understand their diverse customer base better.

Furthermore, research has also shown that companies with more women on their boards and in leadership positions tend to have better financial performance, which can ultimately drive growth. Including women in all levels of the organization can also help companies tap into a larger pool of talent, which can be beneficial for recruitment and retention. Companies that are known for promoting diversity and inclusion are often more attractive to potential employees, which can help them attract top talent and retain their best employees.

Overall, women inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also a business imperative for success, growth and resilience in today’s fast-paced and dynamic global economy.

 

  • Top of Form
  • Equal opportunity can create a number of benefits for corporate business, including:
  1. Increased diversity of perspectives and ideas: Having a diverse workforce brings different perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to problems.
  2. Improved decision-making: A diverse group of individuals with different perspectives and experiences can help to ensure that important decisions are made with the input of different perspectives, avoiding groupthink and blind spots.
  3. Better financial performance: Studies have shown that companies with greater diversity tend to have higher returns on equity, lower volatility, and better average growth.
  4. Improved recruitment and retention: Companies that promote equal opportunity and diversity are often more attractive to potential employees, which can help them attract top talent and retain their best employees.
  5. Better connection with customers: Having a diverse workforce can help companies connect with and understand their diverse customer base better.
  6. Legal compliance: Providing equal opportunity is a legal requirement in many countries and not doing so can lead to legal issues and penalties.
  7. Improved company culture and morale: Creating a culture of equal opportunity and inclusivity can lead to a better work environment and improved morale among employees.
  8. Better problem-solving and creativity: A diverse team is more likely to solve problems better and come up with creative solutions due to the different perspectives they bring to the table.

 By Bilal Ali

Communications Department

White Ribbon Pakistan

Reimagining Masculinity

Reimagining Masculinity

 

White Ribbon aims at building a new idea of masculinity in society. Multiple types of research have been conducted by many renowned institutions, like the U.N, which have indicated that men themselves might not be entirely comfortable with the stereotypical roles associated with their gender. The hypermasculine roles dictated by society put men under a high, if not equal, pressure as women. Driven by this pressure, men acquire unhealthy behavior which ultimately impacts women due to their subordinate position in the social hierarchy. White Ribbon is, therefore, determined to work on the root cause and eradicate violence against women by engaging the key source of this violence, i.e men. The campaign introduces men with healthy and flexible social roles on different social and professional platforms and encourages them to become social justice allies for women by taking up simple measures and ending the predominant anti-women social practices. This will help men as much as women, to break through the constraints of hurtful social norms and live a more fulfilled life.

Youth Leadership Programme

Youth Leadership Programme

Youth Leadership Programme

Youth Leadership Programme

The present cohort of youth in Pakistan is the largest in the country’s history with the next generation expected to outsize it. It is of the utmost importance that these young people are brought into the mainstream of development initiatives. This will enable them to lend their support to various causes and feel part of the solution. To promote positive change within the youth of this country in this time of rising intolerance, WRCP has strategically involved students in various aspects of the campaign to end violence against women. The students were involved in its Youth Leadership Program.

Working with the students gave them a sense of ownership of the initiative. As a result of such activities, our youth volunteers have been trained to plan similar activities independently in the future on VAW.

Workplace Gender Inclusion Awards

White Ribbon Campaign

Violence against women is a shameful reality across the world. Mostly it is committed by men. It is rooted in gender inequalities, and it still far too often goes unnoticed and unchallenged. The White Ribbon Campaign exists to change this.

Men and boys wearing the White Ribbon declare that they will never commit, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women. White Ribbon is one of the world’s largest male-led campaigns to end men’s violence against women. It started in 1991 in Canada, and is now active in over 50countries across the globe. Every year it is growing stronger as more men and boys realise that women’s and girls’ safety is their issue too.

Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender equality

SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality by ending all forms of discrimination, violence and any harmful practices against women and girls in the public and private spheres. It also calls for the full participation of women and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

All forms of violence against women and girls affect both the individual and society as a whole and are an obstacle to gender equality and development. Social norms and customs that sanction inequality and violence against women and girls must be changed.

A society’s prosperity increases when women and girls can contribute on the same terms as men and boys through their resources and knowledge. Tapping the abilities and initiative of women is an important driver of development. Poverty decreases and economic productivity and growth increase when women participate in the economy and the labour market, and have access to resources and functioning markets.

White Ribbon Workplace Gender Inclusion Awards

The women empowerment in the Pakistani corporate sector has become an important tool for the development of the country as almost half of the country’s population is women. White Ribbon Workplace Gender Inclusion Awards celebrate and acknowledge the best practices and policies of corporates that take part and highlight gender justice and gender inclusion for their workforce, customers, community, and through their CSR and brand communication and advertisements. The White Ribbon Awards will be presented annually to companies which use their position to advocate for gender equality and take steps to advance women’s empowerment.

Although a lot of work has and is being done to empower women in the corporate sector, there is still vast room for improvement. Fortunately, all the regulators and trade associations like FPCCI, PASHA, SECP, SBP, PTA etc., are supportive of equal opportunities for women in employment, equal pay and equitable career progression.

Categories of White Ribbon Awards

Gender Inclusive Workplace

This award recognizes the achievements that businesses have demonstrated in adopting relevant gender-inclusive measures in the workplace. This may include innovative approaches to equal recruitment, addressing specific needs for female employees, no to the gender pay gap, promoting women’s career development and leadership and developing a smart gender strategy to take care of the employee’s work-life balance.

Gender Responsive Marketplace

This category will award actions and programs that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in advertisements, campaigns and other marketing activities.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

This category will award businesses that have included gender inclusion into their sustainability strategies, CSR or Philanthropy programmes for wider communities.

Timeline

Entries open from 25th November
Entries will close on 10th January 2023
Awards ceremony will be held 8th March 2023

For any query email at awards@whiteribbon.org.pk

Applications to be submitted at:

Awards Committee
White Ribbon
2/12 Block – M
Gulberg III, Lahore
Phone: 042 35883570-71-72

Fill out the form:

Workmen’s Life

Workmen's Life

Workmen's Life

Workmen's Life

The highest rate of violence against women has been reported among the large labour class of the country, surviving on the economic and social periphery. Women have to bear the brunt of economic deficiency since there is no positive channelization for the frustration caused by financial tribulations. The least socially-active group of industrial workers needs to be aware of their potential to bring positive change by dispelling the image that women-related issues are elitist and have nothing to do with their lives.

White Ribbon Pakistan took the initiative of sensitizing male labourers and industrial workers through interventions including interactive dialogues. Through these initiatives, we hope to reassure them that their participation in curbing VAW can result in a more aware, peaceful, productive, and rewarding life. The intervention works in two ways – domestic violence and workplace harassment. Through these dialogues with the labourers, we address both these issues simultaneously. The underlying purpose is to magnify the domestic and working life of the worker, both of which present a distressing picture. By putting the pieces together, workers are made to realize their crucial role in dealing with the issue of ending violence against women.

When to Respond

When to Respond

When to Respond

When to Respond

Speak up if you suspect domestic violence or abuse

Speak up if you suspect domestic violence or abuse

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitating—telling yourself that it’s none of your business, you might be wrong, or the victim might not want to talk about it—keep in mind that expressing your concern will let her know that you care and may even save her life.Talk to her in private and let her know that you’re concerned. Point out the things you’ve noticed that make you worried. Tell her that you’re there, whenever she feels ready to talk. Reassure her that you’ll keep whatever is said between the two of you, and let her know that you’ll help in any way you can.Remember, abusers are very good at controlling and manipulating their victims. People who have been emotionally abused or battered are depressed, drained, scared, ashamed, and confused. They need help to get out, yet they’ve often been isolated from their family and friends. By picking up on the warning signs and offering support, you can help them escape an abusive situation and begin healing.

Do’s Don’ts
Ask if something is wrong
Ask if something is wrong
Express concern
Judge or blame
Listen and validate
Pressurize her
Offer help
Give advice
Support her decisions
Place conditions on your support

What is Violence Against Women?

What is Violence Against Women?

What is Violence Against Women?

What is Violence Against Women?

Violence against women and girls is one of the most systematic and widespread human rights violations. It is rooted in gendered social structures rather than individual and random acts; it cuts across age, socio-economic, educational, and geographical boundaries; affects all societies, and is a major obstacle to ending gender inequality and discrimination globally.

The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.

The terms ‘gender-based violence’ and ‘violence against women’ are frequently used interchangeably in literature and by advocates. However, the term gender-based violence refers to violence directed against a person because of his or her gender and expectations of his or her role in society or culture.
Gender-based violence highlights the gender dimension of these types of acts; in other words, the relationship between females’ subordinate status in society and their increased vulnerability to violence. It is relevant to note, however, that men and boys may also be victims of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence. Women and girls face violence at home, in school, on the streets, at work, on public transportation and online.

They experience violence in times of peace and in times of conflict or war. The risk is intersectional, meaning that some women and girls face a heightened risk of experiencing physical or sexual violence than others. This includes those married before age 18, living in conflict and fragility, with low levels of education or who are sexual and gender minorities.

Violence is Intentional and Delibrated Action

Violence is Intentional and Deliberated Action

Violence is Intentional and Deliberated Action

Violence is Intentional and Deliberated Action

Abusers are able to control their behavior—they do it all the time

Abusive behavior is the abuser’s choice

Despite what many people believe, domestic violence and abuse are not due to the abuser’s loss of control over his or her behavior. In fact, abusive behavior and violence are a deliberate choice made by the abuser in order to control the partner.

 

Abusers pick and choose whom to abuse

They don’t insult, threaten, or assault everyone in their life who gives them grief. Usually, they save their abuse for the people closest to them, the ones they claim to love.

 

Abusers carefully choose when and where to abuse

They control themselves until no one else is around to see their abusive behavior. They may act like nothing is wrong when you’re in public, but lash out immediately when you’re alone.

 

Abusers are able to stop their abusive behavior when it benefits them

Most abusers are not out of control. In fact, they’re able to immediately stop their Abusive behavior when it’s to their advantage to do so (for example, when the police show up or their boss calls).

 

Violent abusers usually direct their blows where they won’t show

Rather than acting out in a mindless rage, many physically violent abusers carefully aim their kicks and punches where the bruises and marks won’t show.

Types of Abuse

Types of Abuse

Types of Abuse

Types of Abuse

Violence against women (VAW), also known as gender-based violence is fierce acts committed against women and girls that bring physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women. Violence against women exists at different levels. Following are the forms of violence against women.

Physical Violence/Abuse

Physical abuse is any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person or animal by way of bodily contact.

  • Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking
  • Burning
  • Strangulation
  • Spitting or biting
  • Physical restraint e.g. pinning against the wall or bed.
  • Driving dangerously
  • Compelling her to abuse a substance or forced feeding
  • Use of weapons
  • Intentional use of physical force that can cause Death, Disability, Injury, and Harm

Domestic Violence/Abuse

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior that involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting. Domestic abuse occurs whenever one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic violence occurs to gain and maintain total control over you. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” He uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under his thumb. Your abuser may also threaten you, hurt you, or hurt those around you. Domestic Violence occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. while women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused—especially verbally and emotionally.

  • Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking
  • Burning
  • Strangulation
  • Spitting or biting
  • Physical restraint e.g. pinning against the wall or bed.
  • Driving dangerously
  • Sleep and food deprivation
  • Refusing medical care and/or controlling medication
  • Reproductive coercion
  • Compelling her to abuse a substance or forced feeding
  • Use of weapons
  • Intentional use of physical force that can cause Death, Disability, Injury and Harm

Sexual Violence/Abuse

Sexual violence is any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person or acts directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. It can be in different forms such as Rape, Stripping, Exhibitionism, Sexual photography, Incest, forced prostitution, Trafficking for sexual exploitation, Stalking, Eve-Teasing and Sexual harassment.

  1. Rape/Marital rape
  • Against her will
  • Without her consent
  • When the consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death or of hurt
  • With or without her consent when she is under 16 years of age

2. Pursuing sexual activity when the victim is not fully conscious or is afraid to say no

3. Hurting partner physically during sex

4. Coercing partner to have sex without protection / sabotaging birth control

5. Stripping

6. Exhibitionism

7. Unwanted touching

8. Unwanted exposure to pornography

9. Sexual photography

10. Incest

11. Forcing a partner to have sex with other people

12. Forced prostitution

13. Trafficking for sexual exploitation

Emotional/Psychological Violence/Abuse

The behavior characterized by a person subjecting, or exposing another person that may result in psychological trauma;

  • Imposing Restrictions on freedom of movement
  • Controlling activities: discourages you from seeing friends or family
  • Name-calling, insulting, Shaming, humiliating even in front of others
  • Blaming for everything
  • Constantly accusing of cheating or else
  • Intimidation/terrorizing: Gets angry in a way that is frightening to you
  • Damaging personal property
  • Causing Isolation
  • Stalking, wants to know what you’re doing all the time be in constant contact
  • The behavior that may result in psychological trauma
  • Harassment online and offline
  • Demands passwordforto things like your phone, email, and social media and shows other signs of digital abuse
  • Threatens to hurt you, people you care about, or pets
  • Threatens to call the authorities to report you for wrongdoing
  • Threatens to harm himself when upset with you
  • Says things like, “If I can’t have you, then no one can”
  • Decides things for you that you should decide (like what to wear or eat)

Economic/Financial Violence/Abuse

Any act or behaviour which causes economic harm to an individual. Economic violence can take the form of, for example, property damage; restricted access to financial resources, education or the labour market, or not complying with economic responsibilities, such as alimony.

  • Take control of all the money and resources
  • Controlling financial assets and effectively putting her on an allowance
  • Damaging her credit score
  • Refusing to give her access to bank accounts
  • Conceal financial information from her
  • Urging or demanding her to quit the job
  • Inflicting physical harm or injury that would prevent her from attending work
  • Stalking or harassing her at work
  • Giving her a set amount of money to spend and no more
  • Constantly questioning purchases, she makes and demanding to see receipts
  • Making financial decisions without consulting her
  • Using her credit card without permission
  • Sell a property that is hers
  • Refusing to work or contribute to household expenses
  • Not paying child support so she can’t afford rent, food, and other needed items

Harassment/sexual harassment/ Stalking online/offline

  • Harassment means any unwelcome sexual advance
  • Request for sexual favors
  • Physical conduct of a sexual nature
  • Sexually demeaning attitudes
  • Harassment and sexual harassment at the work-place
  • Stalking
  • Eve-Teasing, Whistling or catcalling
  • Obscene verbal or written communication
  • Physical conduct of a sexual nature
  • Harass, bully and torture online through social media
  • Making comments about your clothing, body, behavior, or romantic relationships
  • Making sexual jokes or comments
  • Repeatedly asking you out on a date after you have said no
  • Requesting sexual photos or videos of you
  • Threatening you for saying no to a sexual request
  • Spreading rumors about your personal or sexual life
  • Sending online links or photos with explicit or graphic sexual content

Honor Crime

The homicide of a member of a family or social group due to the belief that the victim has brought dishonor upon the family or the community.

Acid throwing

The act of throwing acid or a corrosive substance onto the body of another intentionally.

Forced marriage

Forcing a girl to marry without her consent or against her will.

Child marriage

Marriage of a girl before reaching the age of 16.

Anti-woman cultural practices

  • Denial of medical care
  • Giving females in marriage or otherwise in Badl-e-Sulah,
  • Practice of Wanni, where in young girls are forcibly married, as part of the punishment for a crime committed by their male relatives.
  • Practice of Swara, where young girls are forcibly married to members of clans to resolve any feuds
  • Marriage with Holy Qura’an