As part of our commitment to diversity, we promise to end the panel of all-men (speakers) at all Gojek events, and include this promise in our policy of speaking opportunitiesJakarta (ANTARA) - Gojek has decided to involve women speakers at events in order to promote gender parity and in response to a call by the United Nations (UN) to end “all-male panels”, or ‘manels’.
"As part of our commitment to diversity, we promise to end the panel of all-men (speakers) at all Gojek events, and include this promise in our policy of speaking opportunities," group head of sustainability at Gojek, Tanah Sullivan, said in a written statement released in Jakarta on Thursday.
A "manel" is a discussion panel that comprises only male speakers.
Earlier, in a statement, UN Resident Coordinator for Indonesia, Valerie Julliand, had said that she would encourage companies and organizations to ensure diverse representation at every speaking opportunity.
The Gojek program, informed Sullivan, is in response to the UN’s pledge to end the phenomenon of “all-male panels”. The company will involve female speakers at all events, she said.
In March, 2021, Gojek had conveyed this commitment at a public discussion on "Closing the 100-Year Gap”, she added.
On Kartini Day, on-demand platform Gojek announced its participation in the "No Manel Pledge" initiated by the United Nations.
The Indonesian unicorn became the first company to sign the "Women Empowerment Principles" (WEP) and join the initiative.
The effort emphasizes Gojek's commitment to increasing gender equality and inclusion, Sullivan said.
Gojek will offer opportunities to women speakers to participate in all discussion events initiated by the company, she added.
Gojek said it will also always invite the organizers of public discussion events to prioritize gender diversity.
So far, the "No Manel Pledge" has been endorsed by all heads of UN Agencies, more than 40 ambassadors, the Minister of National Development Planning of Indonesia, head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), and a number of senior officials at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Women @ Gojek
Meanwhile, UN Women Indonesia Representative and Liaison to ASEAN, Jamshed M. Kazi said,“Manel is considered something common so many don't question it. As a consequence, the neglect of women's involvement has become a norm and thus led to a loss of valuable perspectives, expertise, and women's voice in public policy.”
"We appreciate Gojek's steps to join forces with national and international partners who have committed to the ‘No Manel Pledge’ this year," he added.
Gender equality itself can contribute significantly to economic advancement and sustainable development, he pointed out.
According to a McKinsey report, advancing equality for women in the Asia-Pacific could add US$4.5 trillion to the collective regional gross domestic product by 2025.
Gojek said it is actively promoting gender equality and diversity within the company.
Recently, Gojek formed "Women @ Gojek", an employee resource group, which is led by Gojek employees.
The initiative received national and also regional recognition at the UN Women Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles Awards in 2020.
Earlier, Gojek and UN Women had also partnered for a digital business skills training program, ‘Gojek Wirausaha’, to help women entrepreneurs in Indonesia hone their skills. The program is available on the training platform ‘UN Women WeLearn’. (INE)
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Translator: Ganet D, Azis K
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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