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11.1 Adopt and implement a gender equality and social inclusion policy

Content

Description of Best Practices

Develop a gender equality or gender and social inclusion policy based on international standards including related targets, responsibilities, and provisions for handling grievances

Include company gender equality and D&I goals and objectives, measures to achieve them, responsibilities for implementation and indicators for monitoring

Demonstrate a new direction and dedicated commitment to gender equality and D&I goals by developing and implementing a supportive strategy and action plan

Implement training programs to raise awareness of unconscious bias and build commitment to implementing the policy 

Ensure accountability for implementation is with senior leadership

Challenges of Implementation

Stakeholders may lack commitment to, and awareness of, gender equality and D&I during formulation and adoption amidst competing priorities

Board members may not agree that a Gender Policy or Gender and Social Inclusion (GSI) Policy is needed

Policy without a strategy may not trigger change

What Success Looks Like

Gender equality or Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy is adopted and fully implemented through supporting processes, as detailed in this framework 

Gender equality is an ingrained part of corporate culture and institutionalized in all programs and activities

Resources and Tools

Guide: Integrating Gender into Workplace Policies (USAID)

Guide: Gender Strategy Toolkit (Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Australian Government)

Guide: Developing a Workplace Gender Equality Policy (Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Australian Government)

Example: Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women Policy (AngloGold Ashanti)