It’s no secret that empowering women consequently leads to economic progression. According to the United Nations, it is estimated that closing the gender gap could give the global economy a USD 7 trillion boost. However, this can only happen if we present women with the opportunity to work and provide for themselves.
There are many essential ways to empower women, but diversity and inclusion are intentional ways through which already existing companies and organisations can empower and foster women’s growth.
What is diversity and inclusion?
First things first, let’s talk about diversity. Imagine diversity as embracing a whole spectrum of unique identities. It doesn’t matter if they’re rocking a hijab or navigating the world with a disability; those details shouldn’t be barriers to landing a job. Embracing diversity is all about seeing, understanding, and welcoming women from all walks of life with open arms and acknowledging their brilliance. It’s about celebrating their strengths and recognising they can overcome any hurdles they face.
Inclusion, on the other hand, is the secret sauce to elevating diversity. Inclusivity has much more to do with intentionality and actively choosing to include women in activities that will inevitably elevate and boost their careers. Inclusion creates spaces where women feel safe, valued, respected, and empowered enough to be authentic. From boardrooms to brunches and business deals, inclusion makes room for everyone at the table without hesitation.
Why do we need to diversify the workplace?
Strength in Numbers
Embracing diversity opens the door to a wealth of talent, creativity, and innovation. As women, we possess an undeniable strength that knows no bounds. When we unite, supporting and empowering one another, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Representation Matters
When women from all walks of life are represented and celebrated in media, politics, business, and beyond, it sends a powerful message to young, impressionable girls: you can’t be what you can’t see. By showcasing diverse role models and narratives, we inspire the next generation of trailblazers to dream bigger, aim higher, and slay harder.
Innovation Station
You know what they say: Variety is the spice of life! When we bring together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas, magic happens. Innovation thrives in environments where creativity is king, and diversity is the secret sauce that keeps the ideas flowing like champagne at a celebration.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
By fostering empathy, understanding, and respect across diverse communities, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where everyone has a seat and a voice in the conversation.
Nigerian companies spearheading diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Speaking about diversity and inclusion is essential. That’s why spotlighting companies and organisations that strongly believe in the power of empowerment through diversity is necessary to let people know that inclusion and diversity are possible. Here are five Nigerian companies spearheading diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Guinness Nigeria
“We view diversity as one of the key enablers that helps our business to grow, and our values, purpose, and standards set the conditions for us to respect each person’s unique contribution. Our efforts to champion diversity and inclusion across our business are driven at the highest level and supported by a range of dedicated employee networks such as our Spirited Women network, creating opportunities for women within our business and wider society.”
KPMG
“We believe that diverse teams better reflect the diverse nature of our clients’ businesses. This enables us to express different viewpoints and create well-rounded perspectives that drive innovative thinking. We have a well-established Global Diversity Network that drives change and inclusive leadership across KPMG’s global network. This network is committed to collaborating, sharing, and learning from others passionate about making a difference.”
Schneider Electric
“Schneider Electric aims for inclusion and care by design to ensure safe and inclusive work environments and business decisions that make sustainability a global and local reality. As one of the world’s most diverse, inclusive, and equitable companies, Schneider Electric believes in fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being for its workforce internally and providing energy access to all externally to tackle climate change. We believe in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) commitments and focus on gender balance with initiatives like the HeForShe Campaign for women to hire and train them for leadership and frontline management roles. We lead the way by combating the gender compensation gap and unconscious bias and by boosting inclusive and flexible-working policies, making life and career development for our people easier.”
Shell Nigeria
“Every day, we work to provide an environment where all employees feel valued and included, able to nurture their talent as individuals and as part of a collaborative team.
A diverse and inclusive workplace, embedded in our honesty, integrity, and respect principles, brings together remarkable people and enables them to be themselves. At Shell, you can apply and develop your skills and knowledge as part of a collaborative team helping to innovate and build a better energy future.”
Nestle CWA
“Diversity and inclusion are our everyday realities. We respect and encourage uniqueness and potential regardless of race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, or disability. In recruiting, we make sure to respect our values, provide equal opportunities, and protect everyone’s privacy. We do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. Our aim is to create workplaces where everyone feels included and can bring their whole selves to work. This commitment starts at recruitment and continues to the end of the working relationship. Each of our markets has a diversity & inclusion action plan to provide equal opportunities for everyone to contribute, grow, and feel valued.”
Embracing inclusion and diversity is not just a feel-good project that companies and organisations must adhere to. It is one of many keys to unlocking the full potential of women and other minority groups in Nigeria and worldwide. So, when you think about creating job opportunities, think about women and all the benefits that empowering women can bring to society.
