4/7/23
Article

Women's Social Responsibility Seal

Gender issues cannot be seasonal. In fact, they are increasingly present in the political discussion and in the social pact of countries that try to eliminate historical asymmetries. On the front line, pressure groups create instruments, forums, and mechanisms so that women's issues are not limited to dates or occasional discussions

Gender issues cannot be seasonal. In fact, they are increasingly present in the political discussion and in the social pact of countries that try to eliminate historical asymmetries. On the front line, pressure groups create instruments, forums, and mechanisms so that women's issues are not limited to occasional dates or discussions.

An example that can inspire us comes from the other side of the Atlantic, where ELA — Institute of Female Educators of Brazil launched the “Women's Social Responsibility Seal” initiative. The badge encourages schools, universities and companies to develop “projects and actions that favor women in situations of social, professional and emotional vulnerability” and urges “leaders sensitized to this purpose” to “enable effective actions that contribute to a more just and egalitarian society”, reads the ELA website.

At the academic level, the Women's Social Responsibility Seal distinguishes institutions that “seek to provide their students with solidarity actions with communities and society in general, according to the specificities of their curricula.”

At the corporate level, the seal is awarded to “companies that wish to provide their employees, especially women, with more equal conditions and opportunities for voluntary actions for all”. Among the conditions required to award the distinction are the integration of at least 35% female staff in the workforce, equal opportunities, equal salaries for men and women who hold the same position, or support for pregnant women with more flexible working hours. Companies should also carry out solidarity initiatives aimed at girls, women and adolescents in vulnerable situations, organize lectures on women's rights, domestic violence, self-esteem, leadership, women's health prevention, and socio-emotional strengthening.