Did you know that women represent a vital force, with more than 7 million of us actively contributing to Peru? Data from the National Household Survey show an increase in the number of working women, thanks to the flourishing of micro and small businesses, where 70 out of every 100 women find job opportunities.
However, as a Human Resources professional, I know that we still face several gaps that need to be closed to ensure true equality of opportunities in the business environment. Thus, it is essential that we lead this work to open roads and eliminate obstacles that limit the full professional development of women in all sectors.
On International Women's Day, I invite you to learn about one of the most pressing challenges: the creation of inclusive and diverse work environments, where all voices are heard and valued. Building a work environment that effectively responds to the needs of each individual, in this case women, is fundamental to fostering a more equitable and just society. Below, I share some actions that we have been implementing from Celepsa:
- Diversity and Inclusion Program "Voces Unidas" (United Voices): As part of one of the UNACEM Group's initiatives, all of its business units frame our diversity and inclusion actions in a program that seeks to promote and live a culture that respects differences and recognizes that each individual is unique and has his or her own voice to create strong and diverse teams in the organization.
- Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Policy: We have developed a corporate-wide policy that promotes gender equality at all levels of the organization and in every job position. These policies are reflected from the beginning of the hiring process through equitable recruitment practices that value merit and competencies, rather than being influenced by gender bias or stereotypes.
- We provide benefits adjusted to diversity: To generate equal conditions we take into account the particular needs of each group, in Celepsa, we provide labor flexibility through remote work and flexible schedules through the "Early Friday". This benefit helps women to stay in the workforce and meet their family responsibilities and even advance in their careers and studies.
- We encourage inclusive leadership: We have a horizontal model that integrates women in management or strategic positions in the company, generating a more collaborative and representative environment. In addition, as part of the role of all our leaders is the promotion of a culture of respect and openness, demonstrating a visible commitment to diversity and inclusion and recognizing fairness in their teams and environment.
- We encourage female participation in STEM: We provide opportunities for more young women to pursue careers in science and engineering. Together with UTEC, we awarded a scholarship to Giseidi Quispe, an outstanding student who now has the opportunity to have a quality education to contribute her full potential in the future as a biochemical engineer.
- Awareness and participation: We conducted educational workshops and training to raise awareness of the importance of human rights and gender equity. At the same time, we have the first Diversity and Inclusion Committee in the company, of which employees from different levels of the organization are part, thus promoting participation and active listening among all through two-way communication, which is essential to address these issues.
Estas acciones nos ayudan a seguir cerrando brechas en nuestra sociedad y a promover una cultura organizacional que reconozca el talento y el desempeño, sin importar el género u otros aspectos de los empleados, así como impulsar el empoderamiento femenino en el ambiente de trabajo para crecer con igualdad de oportunidades.
Los invito todos a seguir trabajando para disminuir la brecha laboral de género desde su rol. En Celepsa, y como parte del Grupo UNACEM, mantenemos nuestro firme compromiso con construir un mundo más sostenible, fomentando el desarrollo femenino en el sector energético a través de una cultura que viva diversidad e inclusión en todas sus formas.
