Gender equality is a basic, fundamental human right. However, according to the United Nations (UN), over half the global population still faces gender-based economic, social, and legal discrimination.
While the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 aims to bridge that gap and create equal rights, safety, opportunities, and representation for all genders, a sustainable future is not possible unless it is built upon equity.
The situation in Malaysia, especially in the workplace, also leaves much to be desired. For example, women are reportedly being discriminated against in recruitment, employment, inequality, and promotion opportunities.
Although the country has achieved some headway in repealing discriminatory laws, discrimination is still prevalent. For instance, the World Bank’s 2021 Women, Business and Law Report gave Malaysia a score of 50 in these three indexes. In contrast, Singapore scored 82.5, Indonesia 64.4 and Myanmar 58.8.
Developing and amplifying equity at the workplace and beyond was the topic of QI Group Founder and Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran’s ‘Equal Space 2.0’ discussion in conjunction with Women’s History Month in March. The series explores experiences, perspectives, and constructive ways to create a more gender-equal space in the workplace and beyond.
“There is a particular empathy that men take for granted,” Dato Sri Vijay said. “Meritocracy takes effort. To be meritocratic, you must implement it and challenge the norms brought in from the outside world. This is how we created the practice of women empowering women and seeking their input.”
The discussion also delved into how men can be engaged in the advancement of women’s equality, rights, and opportunities and how diversity and inclusion remain ever-important in ensuring gender equality.
Dato’ Sri Vijay has endeavoured to challenge inequality within the group. “It’s a cultural thing that was maybe allowed, but it should never be allowed anymore and permeate our consciousness.”
He is also particularly gratified by a corporate culture that is based on meritocracy and spearheads women’s personal development and mentoring programmes.
For this reason, RYTHM Foundation, which serves as the social impact arm of the QI Group, takes pride in curating programmes with global partners for disadvantaged girls and women to become independent and achieve their fullest potential.
While many organisations take slow gaits toward gender equality in the workplace, the QI Group’s entities, including RYTHM, back up their words with equivalent actions.
Staff member Vashnavi Poovanedran attests to this “way of life” at the Foundation.
“I have worked with wonderful peers who are also women,” Vashnavi said. “They have empowered me to be better at my job and improved my performance abilities. I now know my immense capabilities because of their guidance and belief in me.
“A memorable experience was when I included detailed Covid-19 SOPs into a project that was well received and praised by the management,” the programme executive working on delivering projects within budget, time, and scope noted.
To Pobana Herusan, earning respect as a professional rather than a woman stands out as a quality of the Foundation she had not experienced elsewhere.
“I am also proud to be a part of an organisation where all preconceived notions of hiring older employees and fresh graduates are dismissed,” Pobana said.
“Instead, everyone is given an equal opportunity; fairness and inclusion are implemented,” added the executive who manages numerous local and global sustainable community projects.
Working at RYTHM has been an equally positive experience for assistant manager Latha Arweena Shoffieah.
“I have taken on key projects and initiatives – a clear exhibition of the culture of fairness and inclusion. As a result, we have a platform to voice our opinions, and our ideas and thoughts matter to the organisation,” Latha observed.
“I started out as a junior executive. A year-and-a-half later, I am an assistant manager. The achievement and recognition were only possible because the QI group is an equal opportunity employer.
“I am also assigned projects focusing on gender equality, among other aspects. My duty and personal conviction are to ensure awareness of these rights through the projects we implement,” Latha added.
Watch the complete episode of ‘Equal Space 2.0’ in the video below:
