HeForShe: Championing Gender Equity at GMG

In today's rapidly changing world, the importance of nurturing equity and inclusivity has never been more apparent. As global citizens, we all bear the responsibility to create a future that prioritises the well-being of all individuals, regardless of gender. This realisation has led GMG to explore how we can make a difference through comprehensive programmes that address the pressing issues of gender equality and human rights in the workplace and beyond.

In 2024, the conversation around gender parity and women empowerment remains essential and timely. With the global gender gap standing at 68.5%—an increase of just 0.1% from previous years—there is still a significant journey ahead. Therefore, achieving gender equity requires more than the efforts of women alone; it demands collective action from all genders.

In 2014, UN Women launched the HeForShe campaign to empower men as advocates for gender equality, challenging societal norms and helping to break down barriers, particularly in the workplace. Today, HeForShe continues to drive policy and cultural shifts, highlighting that gender equity is not just a moral obligation, but a key driver of societal and business success. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality—a principle that resonates deeply with GMG's values.

Ongoing Efforts at GMG

At GMG, we recognise the importance of creating environments where diversity and inclusion thrive, and where all employees can flourish. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, at the current rate of progress, the gender gap will not close for another 134 years. Women still occupy just 29% of senior management roles globally, reflecting the persistent inequality in corporate leadership.

To address this challenge, we launched EmpowHer Circles earlier this year, an initiative that provides a space for women to lead discussions on topics like leadership styles, work-life balance, and working motherhood. These circles underscore the point that gender equality is not about one gender competing against another, but about giving everyone equal opportunities based on merit, fostering a culture diverse in both thought and representation.

Introducing HeForShe at GMG

In line with our ongoing dedication to advancing gender diversity and female equality, GMG has made a bold move this September by launching the HeForShe campaign within our organisation. This initiative seeks not only to raise awareness among male colleagues but to actively involve them in the conversation around gender equality, both within GMG and across society.

During September's 'Coffee with a Purpose'—our monthly informal sessions that focus on relevant themes—our Director of Talent Acquisition, David Kelly, led a thought-provoking discussion on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. He explored practical yet impactful ways men can contribute to fostering a more balanced work environment.

David Kelly commented, "Equality is not just a women's issue; an equal world is better for all of us. Therefore, it's important that we always do the right thing instead of the easy thing."

Why HeForShe Matters in the Workplace

Through this campaign, we aim to help our colleagues understand and realise that gender equality benefits everyone—a fact supported by compelling data. For instance, according to a 2023 McKinsey & Company report, companies in the top quartile for board-gender diversity are 27 percent more likely to outperform financially than those in the bottom quartile. By uniting all genders in this cause, we significantly increase our chances of success.

In today's competitive environment, diversity and inclusion are proven to enhance innovation and performance. Consider these striking statistics:

• Companies with women on executive teams are 48% more likely to financially outperform their peers with low gender-diversity.
• A Catalyst study shows that companies with greater gender diversity on boards see up to a 60% higher return on investment.

Through HeForShe, we underscore the importance of everyone's involvement in fostering an inclusive and balanced workplace. Leaders across all genders have a unique position to champion this change by mentoring colleagues, supporting advancement, and actively challenging biases that may hinder progress. 

How HeForShe Impacts Workplace Culture

While the effects of HeForShe campaigns may take time to fully materialise, they can be profoundly impactful when executed correctly and embraced by everyone, especially the leadership team.

1.      Dismantling Gender Stereotypes: Leadership in many industries remains largely male-dominated. By actively involving all genders in the push for equality, HeForShe challenges traditional roles, helping normalise diverse representation in senior positions.

2.     Allyship and Advocacy: A key element of HeForShe is building a culture of allyship. Some organisations that prioritise gender inclusion have seen a 25% increase in employee satisfaction. Through HeForShe, we encourage everyone to stand against gender bias and advocate for equal professional development opportunities.

3.     Creating Inclusive Policies: Many companies embracing HeForShe have introduced inclusive policies, such as shared parental leave, and mentorship programs. These policies have led to higher employee satisfaction and productivity, while also contributing to a more culturally diverse workplace.

As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it's clear that the well-being of our employees and the creation of an inclusive work environment are inextricably linked to our success as a company. By adopting comprehensive equality programmes and embracing a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, we contribute towards creating a better world for future generations—one that truly embodies the principles of human rights and gender equality.

At GMG, we believe that together, we can make a significant impact. By uniting all genders in the cause of equality, we pave the way for a more balanced, innovative, and prosperous future for all.

By GMG