Stanbic Bank Uganda has signed on to the United Nations Development Programme’s Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme for Public and Private Enterprises, a workplace initiative that aims to reduce gender gaps and promote equality and women’s economic empowerment.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment is Goal No. 5 of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda and is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted in September 2015 at a United Nations summit.
Gender equality in the workplace sets in motion employee performance schemes that reduce gender-gaps, improving staff productivity and business profitability. The process also triggers innovations of gender-appropriate products and services, increasing customer satisfaction.
As a member of the programme, Stanbic will also benefit from networking with global companies that have previously enrolled for the Gender Equality Seal Certification.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Patrick Mweheire, the chief executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda said it is committed to reaching gender parity in leadership and executive positions across all our operations.
“We have achieved some of this through fair and unbiased hiring practices, and continue to develop and implement enabling workplace policies, and ensuring that women have access to appropriate development and leadership opportunities. One such way is through the Ignite Women Leadership programme, an internal Bank initiative aimed at developing women leaders and igniting untapped value and opportunity in our female staff,” Mr Mweheire said.
Rosa Malango, UNDP’s resident coordinator said the UN in Uganda is delighted that Stanbic Bank is joining 41 other private enterprises to commit to ensuring gender equality in the workplace. “Your signature today is a loud statement that in Uganda both private and public enterprises are working for sustainable development.”
The UNDP resident representative, Elsie Attafuah, said that gender equality is a precondition for the realisation of sustainable development because it promises, “achievement of equality and empowerment of all women and girls.”
“This promise foresees a world where everyone has an equal chance, where everyone can access decent jobs and equal pay, where caring for the family and home is shared equitably, where there is equal gender representation in political, economic and social leadership, and where violence against women and girls is no longer a daily threat,” said Ms Attafuah.
About the Gender Equality Seal
UNDP is supporting public and private enterprises to implement a Gender Equality Seal Programme, which calls for gender equality at the workplace. Through the Programme, UNDP provides both public and private institutions with tools to enable them to put in place policies, products and services that are gender-sensitive and inclusive for all. The institutions that sign-up to the GES are monitored through several stages before they get the certification. Companies that have signed on the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme have reported a motivated and more efficient workforce, with equitable policies that give equal opportunities for every employee with similar qualifications, regardless of their gender.
On 16 August 2016, the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda pledged to adopt the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme for Private Enterprises. Stanbic’s signing brings to 42 the number of private enterprises that have signed on to the Gender Equality Seal.
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About Stanbic Bank Uganda
Stanbic Bank Uganda is a member of the Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets. Standard Bank Group reported total assets of R2.1 trillion ($148 billion) as at 31 December 2018, while it’s market capitalization was at R289 billion ($20 billion). The group has direct, on-the-ground representation in 20 African countries. Standard Bank Group has 1,221 branches and 8,815 ATMs in Africa, making it one of the largest banking networks on the continent. It provides global connections backed by deep insights into the countries where it operates.
Stanbic Bank Uganda provides the full spectrum of financial services. It’s Corporate & Investment Banking division serves a wide range of requirements for banking, finance, trading, investment, risk management and advisory services. Corporate & Investment Banking delivers this comprehensive range of products and services relating to: investment banking; global markets; and global transactional products and services.
Stanbic Bank Uganda personal & business banking unit offers banking and other financial services to individuals and small-to-medium enterprises. This unit serves the increasing need among Africa’s small business and individual customers for banking products that can meet their shifting expectations and growing wealth.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Mubangizi, UNDP Uganda, Tel: 0772147564, Email address: [email protected],
Cathy Adengo, Stanbic Uganda, Tel: 0793424285, Email address: [email protected]
Sharon Kakai, WMC Africa, Tel: 0782 265 153, Email address: [email protected]
