Corporations must do more to create a better space for everyone

February 4, 2022

Image: UNDP/Aisha Jemila Daniels

7 people. 7 stories of hope, change and opportunity

Written by Samuel Mpangile, Business Analyst, Tanzania

I took part in the Gender Equality Seal (GES) Certification Programme from January to June 2021. The training was designed to educate participants about UNDP’s Gender Equality Standards and certify them to better assess companies that have complied with these standards and rate them accordingly.

The content of the training was very informative and relatable to the financial statement audits I typically conduct. Furthermore, I felt that the first few weeks of the training were important in helping me understand the role gender plays in our communities.

The fight for equality does not end at providing equal opportunities but requires a deeper understanding of how we actually see each other and how our societies have shaped the understanding of our roles based on our gender.

The main challenge during the training was in distinguishing my own biases in terms of what I think is compliant to the standards versus what the standards aim to achieve. The programme exceeded my expectations by opening up my perspective to aspects of the corporate environment that are often ignored by society, such as the importance gender sensitive policies play in a company.

I look forward to being able to use what I learned in the future to help raise awareness of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) standards, encourage companies to adapt them into their policies, and create a more inclusive business community in Tanzania.

The training helped me to develop a better understanding of how corporations can do more to create a better space for everyone. Learning about what policies and practices need to be in place to qualify for the Gender Equality Seal helped me understand that the concept of “equality” is wider and deeper than just providing equal opportunities, but also about doing more to ensure the people we welcome to these spaces are comfortable and able to thrive in them.

It was an eye-opening experience, and I look forward to using the experience to make positive changes in my community.

Read more about the Gender Equality Seal Programme.

Read more stories in The People Edition.