Week 10: Going beyond for social justice
It’s International Women’s Day on 8th March and time for every business to go beyond to show the world how they embrace gender equality. Together, we can create a world that’s free from harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
As issues surrounding equal pay, equal treatment, equal representation on leadership teams, equal access to training and company benefits arise, it’s clear business needs to make better decisions when it comes to gender equality.
Breaking down these prejudicial barriers shouldn’t only be driven by the bottom line – business leaders need to create the space for people to work in a way that works for them. Not only can this lead to increased employee engagement and productivity, but it also strengthens business growth, which in turn supports economies and drives further impact. The data clearly supports this (International Labour Organisation).
In addition to measuring and managing environmental and social impact through the B Impact Assessment, B Corps are required to make a legal commitment to consider the impact of business decisions on its stakeholders, now and in the future.
This governance structure means that B Corps go beyond to create an inclusive and equitable workplace. One where differences are valued and diversity is celebrated, not just tolerated.
Case Studies:
&SISTERS Ltd
&SISTERS is on a mission to bridge the gender health gap and improve the menstrual health of millions of sisters worldwide with a user-centric menstrual health ecosystem. It seeks to enhance the menstrual wellbeing of women with a safe and inclusive community-led platform – bringing together expert content, peer-to-peer connection and eco-friendly consumer products to support women and girls through all stages of life.
Rebel Girls
Rebel Girls is a global empowerment brand dedicated to raising the most inspired and confident generation of girls through content, experiences, products, and community. It believes in empowering girls to dream big, that by amplifying stories of real-life, extraordinary women can pave the way for a more equal world.
Divine Chocolate
Divine was built on the principles of inclusivity and equity, and fundamental to the work Divine does is ensuring the positive impact we deliver for farmers benefits women and men equally. It is on a mission to make sure women are reached and included, that their needs and wellbeing are addressed, and that their ability to make strategic life choices, and to put those choices into action is strengthened. There is clear evidence that changes that empower women, in turn benefit communities and economies. Of the 100,000 Kuapa Kokoo farmers who co-own the company, more than a third are women.
Take action:
Register for B Lab UK’s LinkedIn live for International Women’s Day here.
If you’re a female founder or entrepreneur and would like to speak to a B Corp who has already been through the process, reach out to annie@bcorporation.uk to sign up to one of B Lab UK’s International Women’s Day mentoring calls.
To take the first action in becoming a B Corp, create an account on the B Impact Assessment.
For individuals:
How many of the organisations that you buy from regularly have equal pay, representation and treatment as part of their business practices? Are there products or services that you could easily replace with those offered by a company that does?
