SM steps up bid for fair workplace

The mall giant, the United Nations Women, and the Philippine Commission on Women on Friday signed the empowerment principles to make sure that women have equal opportunities and equal promotion chances

The SM group has been a steadfast supporter of women, not only because it provides job opportunities without gender bias but it has several programs that promote equality and empowerment.

For this, the mall giant was given the prestigious Blomberg Gender Equality Award and the Blomberg Equality Index for upholding the five pillars of Blomberg’s framework.

The mall giant, the United Nations Women, and the Philippine Commission on Women on Friday signed the empowerment principles to make sure that women have equal opportunities and equal promotion chances at work within the company.

The activity, which was held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City, was part of this year’s celebration of Women’s Month. There was also an exhibit that showcased the products of women entrepreneurs.

Huge opportunities open

“Throughout the years, SM Supermalls has always been a strong supporter of women. SM Cares, our company’s corporate social responsibility arm, has been implementing programs that care for women,” SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said.

Tan noted that the first project of the SM Cares women’s committee was breastfeeding stations in all SM Supermalls nationwide.

By joining the women’s community, we reiterate our commitment to the gender equality dimensions of the UN sustainable development goals in its 2030 agenda.

“Today, more than 1 million mothers have been served by our breastfeeding stations since it launched more than 15 years ago,” he said.
Tan said SM believes in gender equality and inclusivity.

“Our (company) has employed 99,727 women, making up 63 percent of our workforce. Sixty percent of them are senior management positions, while 65 percent of them are in the middle management,” he said.

Equal space

Tan added more than 75 percent of SM customers are women.

“And we champion them by providing products and services that answer their need to fit their lifestyle,” he said.

He, however, said that the firm’s advocacy and appreciation for women do not stop there.

“By joining the women community, we reiterate our commitment to the gender equality dimensions of the UN sustainable development goals in its 2030 agenda,” he said.

“SM will celebrate women’s month in a bigger way this year in partnership with UN Women and the Philippine Commission on Women through our pop-up bazaars in all 74 SM Supermalls,” he added.

Tan also said that SM will hold a series of webinars for women entrepreneurs on 10 to 11 March.

For her part, Rosalyn “Lynlyn” Mesina, country program manager of UN Women WeEmpowerAsia in the Philippines, expressed her appreciation to SM for its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women.

“SM is leading the way in making sure gender equality happens.

Source: Daily Tribune