How to achieve gender mainstreaming in the workplace

When it comes to gender equality, there is still a lot that needs to be done.

Gender issues in South Africa have been around for years. And, even though the fight for equality continues through movements and campaigns, it’s encouraged that businesses start taking the lead.

In 2020, there are still women who earn less than their counterparts, even if they have the same attributes and qualifications, because of their gender. This shows that South Africa still needs to work on creating an inclusive working culture that empowers women and removes gender barriers.

To find out how your business can help with women empowerment in South Africa, read below.

Create more opportunities

The first thing that needs to be done is to create a space where women can get the same opportunities as men. Gender mainstreaming business opportunities will ensure that the barriers women faced in the past are broken down. To create more opportunities for the females in your office, start by having training programmes, mentorships and scholarships for women and girls. This will allow your women employees and future employees the chance to grow within your business.

Representation is key

Representation in leadership is vital and shows members in the workplace that they are a part of the culture. A lack of diversity in leadership positions and in the organisation, in general, sends your employees a message that promotions and growth aren’t attainable. Whether it is unconsciously or consciously, those thoughts do arise. The only way you can make a minority feel like a part of your business is by hiring people who look like them. When women see others like themselves working within your organisation, or when they work with other women-owned businesses, it shows many women the career possibilities that they can have. Some women don’t see their full potential either because of their background or previous working experience that didn’t have representation.

Talk about inclusion

Diversity cannot go without inclusion. In this case, women need to be seen and acknowledged for their capabilities. As the owner of a company, it is your responsibility to ensure women and men have an open discussion about the issues women face because of their gender. Having an open dialogue about how your business plans on being inclusive and why it is important can make a big difference. Make sure when having these talks that there are already solutions put in place.

For example, hiring more women in executive positions or by allowing more women the opportunity to handle a new infrastructure development project. Including women in those big decision meetings and putting women in higher positions will ensure women are included and represented.

Networking initiatives are important

Everyone in business knows the importance of networking. Well, networking initiatives can help break down gender barriers. Your employees can go to workshops together and team buildings which can help mentor your employees and build them. This will not only help improve their careers, but it will also help form relationships with colleagues and like-minded individuals that develop beyond gender.

Create a platform

Communication is important, and it can help bring change. Gender mainstreaming project planning can only make a change once there has been proper communication. This will ensure no one misinterprets the reason behind these new opportunities for women. Without communication, other individuals may feel as if your initiatives are favouring one gender over the other. But, if you can create a platform for both women and men to have open and educational conversations, it can help men see the issues women face. This can also ignite men within your company to speak up when a woman is unfairly discriminated against. Your business must create a safe space where men are advocates for women; feeling trapped or attacked can cause problems for the office environment.

Adapting strategies and policies that protect women

Giving women opportunities is one thing, but your business needs to have strategies in place that protect women from any inappropriate behaviour in the workspace. That includes creating policies that understand that equal pay is important, career opportunities, harassment, child care and ensuring a work-life balance. Those are a few things that hinder a woman’s career or makes it impossible for them to succeed. Creating policies that are considerate of these issues will ensure a healthier workplace for all, and will help you to retain more employees.

Final thoughts

Women should be able to achieve and enjoy the same resources and opportunities as men. Female empowerment doesn’t mean one gender is more important than the other; it ensures all genders are treated equally. Equality will also benefit your business as many qualified women in South Africa. It can help improve performance, help you retain more skilled employees and help your bottom line.