This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
On December 4, 2019, The Standard Group Women Network (SGWN) celebrated its first year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey to promote gender equality and improve the welfare of women working at the organisation.
Launched in October 2018, the network was established in response to a company survey that revealed the majority of female staff felt excluded. The initiative aimed to address the issue by providing a platform for women to articulate their voice and position themselves for greater responsibilities and impact.
According to SGWN President Queenter Mbori, the network's six key agendas included improving the recruitment and career progression of women, leadership training and mentorship, improving facilities, zero tolerance on sexual harassment, and gender-balanced editorial coverage.
During the celebration, Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu emphasized that the platform is not about favouring women but giving them an equal opportunity. He stated, "It is not about preference over the woman over the man, gender disparity or promoting women because men have always been above. It is about ensuring every woman who joins the Standard Group has an equal opportunity at succeeding alongside their male counterparts and ensuring the environment will acknowledge the uniqueness of their demands".
SGWN has made significant progress in its first year, including relaunching a nursing room for staff with children, partnering with Aga Khan Hospital to screen staff for breast cancer, and creating awareness on the disease. The network has also partnered with several organisations to provide women with access to trainings and other opportunities for networking and career improvement.
Despite the achievements, Mbori acknowledged that there is still much more to be done, particularly in terms of promoting women to decision-making levels. She stated, "Whereas recruitment of staff reflects a gender-balanced approach, few women have risen to decision-making levels over the past year".
Going into 2020, SGWN is working to unveil an improved sexual harassment policy, improve gender-balanced reporting, and formulate better maternity and paternity leave policies to create a more peaceful work environment for mothers and fathers.
