Leading Philippine fiber internet provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has signed the CEO Statement of Support for the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), signifying its commitment to the UN Global Compact and UN Women to promote gender equality and women empowerment.
“Telecommunications has traditionally been a male-dominated sector. We want to change that. We are creating a diverse and inclusive environment where the best talent will thrive as we build a world-class ICT organization that empowers people, businesses, and the nation,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, following the signing of the statement.
This is the latest move by the internet service provider in the cause to support gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace. It recently held a mentorship program for women leaders within Converge and a 3-day internal event to celebrate Women’s Month in March.
As a WEPs signatory, the company stands in solidarity with the United Nations to end gender inequality in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Moreover, it joins a global network of thousands of business leaders committed to advancing gender equality and women empowerment.
In signing the Statement, Converge will also strive to submit sex-disaggregated data in its sustainability reporting to communicate the company’s progress to stakeholders.
Statement of Support represents a step forward in the commitment of the company to the UNGC, the world’s largest corporate social responsibility initiative which paves the way for Converge to align its sustainability strategy to universally-recognized and world-class standards. Converge signed up to the Compact in 2022.
Converge aims to achieve a 70:30 male to female ratio in the workforce as part of its gender diversity agenda – enshrined in the Sustainability Roadmap – by 2026. As of end-2022, females already comprise 39% of the headcount from Converge.
Maria Grace Y. Uy, Converge President and Co-Founder, launched a woman-to-woman mentorship program in March, aiming to create the next generation of women leaders in the company. Converge also strengthened its partnership with a woman-led social enterprise, Kreations, who is upcycling scrap tarpaulins from Converge into bags and crafts.
In signing the Statement of Support, Converge welcomes the provisions of the WEPs, namely:
· Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
· Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination
· Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
· Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
· Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
· Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
· Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality
These provisions are seven steps that businesses can take to advance and empower women, and Converge may start putting these provisions into its overall company strategy and agenda.
