2.8 Integrate gender equality, parity, and diversity considerations into procurement policies and practices to ensure subcontractor/supplier alignment with the company’s gender equality and diversity goals

Description of Best Practices

Influence subcontractors and suppliers to improve their own gender equality and D&I practices and policies through competitive procurement practices

Clearly articulate in procurement documents expectations and requirements on how a contractor/supplier addresses the following, ensuring scoring of contracts and awards include points related to:

Equity in percentages of women in leadership and technical positions within their contract, with targets for gender equality and diversity where possible

Applies gender-equitable and inclusive policies related to EEO, sexual harassment, etc.
Extend gender equity and unconscious bias trainings and mentorship opportunities to suppliers and subcontractors, with a focus on supporting the strengthening of woman-owned businesses

Create small business set-asides for local women-owned businesses from diverse backgrounds that provide services and supplies. Include gender- specific key-performance indicators and targets in the contract and follow-up with regular monitoring and reporting against KPIs from subcontractor/ supplier

Conduct a social audit of all suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with the company’s code of conduct or other gender equality and diversity goals. This social audit should cover topics such as:

Discrimination
Sexual harassment and GBV
Health and safety

Working conditions and benefits

Challenges of Implementation

Sub-contractors are separate entities with their own organizational practices and policies that may be difficult to change

There may be less oversight or influence over subcontractors

Some issues, such as discrimination or sexual harassment, may be difficult to measure, and subcontractors/suppliers may be reluctant to share such information