MTN NIGERIA HAS BEEN AWARDED THE EDGE CERTIFICATE FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO GENDER INCLUSION.
Leading information and communication technology (ICT) company, MTN Nigeria, has been granted the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) MOVE certification by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at its headquarters in Lagos.
MTN Nigeria stands out as the first African technology firm to achieve this certification, affirming its dedication to recognizing and addressing gender disparities within the organization.
The ICT giant joins a cohort of over 250 entities spanning 57 nations and 27 industry sectors, including notable names like the World Bank Group, Deloitte Switzerland AG, and UNICEF, among others, as of September 2023.
Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, remarked:
“This certification further reinforces our commitment to closing gender gaps. Our female workforce representation has increased by 2.7% in the past year, now standing at 38.3%, which indicates significant progress towards our 2030 target of 50%. We firmly believe in fostering gender inclusion in the workplace.”
Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, commented:
“Women remain underrepresented in the workforce and the economy, hindering economic prosperity. Measures promoting women’s equal involvement as employees and entrepreneurs are vital for the private sector to address gender disparities and reap the benefits of gender equality. Through IFC’s advisory assistance to MTN Nigeria under the Nigeria2Equal gender program, the company has prioritized diversity and inclusion within its leadership and staff, and achieving this certification reflects that commitment.”
Receiving the certificate, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer at MTN Nigeria, highlighted recent initiatives undertaken by MTN to advance gender inclusion in the workplace.
“Initiatives such as the Women at Y’ello network and the HeForShe Initiative have contributed significantly to making MTN a desirable workplace. The EDGE MOVE certification positions us as pioneers, making MTN Nigeria the first telecom company in Africa and the second in Sub-Saharan Africa to attain this milestone,” she stated.
Aniela Unguresan, Founder and Member of the EDGE Certified Foundation Board, remarked:
“Receiving their first EDGE Certification at the EDGE Move level is a notable accomplishment for MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, underscoring their firm commitment to workplace gender equity. This certification not only acknowledges the strides made by the organization but also underscores the ongoing dedication of its leadership team to fostering a culture of inclusivity. Authentic transformation in workplace dynamics is only achievable when leaders acknowledge the necessity for change, thereby fostering diverse and inclusive environments for all.”
MTN Nigeria continues to exhibit its dedication to establishing an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and advocates for gender equality.
Joan Aimuengheuwa;From the News Source: Techeconomy
