Lens 1
Tool 3.
Test for an integrated governance with a gender perspective
The expansion of the concept of value (economic, social and environmental), based on the integration of sustainability and environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) in the business and activities of the company, directly impacts its governance. As the concept of value broadens, so does the consideration of stakeholders for whom value can be created. Diversity and gender equality is an ESG factor, which can be considered as a social or governance factor.
Addressing the gender perspective necessarily requires the commitment and involvement of the board of directors. Due to its functions and role, the board of directors – as the maximum administrator of the company – can define behaviors and objectives to achieve gender equality in a transversal way, integrating this perspective in all areas and levels of the company.
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Tool 3.
Test for an integrated governance with a gender perspective
The purpose of this tool is to evaluate, in a transversal manner, the governance state situation of companies with respect to the adoption of the gender perspective in their different interventions -in the internal and external sphere- and with their different groups of interest. It is aimed mainly at medium-sized companies in Latin America and the Caribbean, but it can be carried out by all organizations interested in knowing their situation in this regard.
Its use is a first step to assess, understand and identify a baseline of the company’s situation in terms of gender in order to advance in the design of an action plan and to implement integrated governance with gender perspective.
What does the test consist of?
Based on 58 questions grouped under 5 axes: inclusive governance with a gender perspective; women in leadership; equality in the workplace; products and services; and value chain, with 3 answer options: yes / no / I am considering it. These questions are the means to generate conversations, to mark a north regarding actions that could be addressed in a company to promote gender equality.
The results of the test for an integrated governance with a gender perspective seek to facilitate a better understanding of the state of integration in the different scopes of its role. This, in turn, will make it possible to identify where the strengths and weaknesses of each governance are found and the actions that are decided to prioritize can be reviewed, improved or deepened, according to the characteristics of each company, industry, sector, size and the economic, social and cultural context of the country where it is operating.
Recommendations for application
1. Its use by the higher management of the company and working with the leaders of the different areas: contrasting responses from the different departments or people, and generating spaces for conversation to share visions or opinions on the topics that the tool approaches.
2. Have the necessary information and/or documentation that the different areas of the company may have to provide to answer the questions.
3. To advance on a path of continuous improvement, it is advisable to complete the test annually to measure the improvements and communicate the progress achieved.
The participation of the board of directors, senior positions and middle managers of the company promote:
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- Transversal commitment to achieve gender equality.
- Appropriation and good execution of the strategy to achieve the planned goals.
- The culture of gender equality.
Test for integrated governance with a gender perspective
Once the test is completed, we recommend continuing with tool 4. Plan of action for gender equality from lens 1, which proposes to advance in the development of a plan.
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This toolbox is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the terms of Contract No. AID OAA-C-17-00090. The contents of this toolkit are the sole responsibility of Deetken Impact and Pro Mujer and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.