In line with the Chamber's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment in its network through its programs and initiatives, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE), is organizing a two-hour learning event on, "Empowering Inclusion Through Gender Diversity and Allyship,"taking place on 27 June 2024, from 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm in Makati Commerce Tower.

This learning event aims to enhance the participants' understanding and commitment to gender diversity and allyship. Additionally, it will address three core areas: the importance of inclusive business practices, the complexities of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), and feature practical steps toward becoming effective allies.

Event Discussion Points

• Gender diversity plays a critical role in organizational success and innovation. By understanding the significance of inclusive business culture and strategies, the workforce will recognize how diverse perspectives drive creativity, improve decision-making, and enhance problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, inclusive cultures contribute to higher employee satisfaction and engagement, reducing turnover and attracting top talent. Companies with diverse leadership teams often outperform those without, demonstrating the tangible benefits of prioritizing diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding SOGIESC is pivotal to fostering an empathetic and inclusive workplace. The event will provide comprehensive knowledge about the spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, as well as the natural variations in sex characteristics. This knowledge is crucial for creating an environment that respects and validates the diverse experiences of all individuals. By addressing discrimination, microaggressions, and biases, the event will emphasize the importance of awareness and advocacy in promoting a culture of respect and acceptance.

Objectives

The objectives of the event are as follows:

1. To have an increased and critical awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the importance of gender diversity and inclusion;
2. To acquire comprehensive knowledge about SOGIESC to enhance understanding and empathy;
3. To promote allyship by equipping them with practical skills to become effective allies;
4. To feature available assessment tools that companies could utilize to assess and understand an organization's diversity balance and how leaders can take the necessary steps in strengthening their capacity-building initiatives as well as enhancing their policies to support the workforce; and
5. To feature diversity programs and initiatives from the private sector.