WHAT WE STAND FOR...

Getting rid of stereotypes
Is it so surprising that women play a key role in the success of inclusive economy projects supported by the Arbutus Centre for women? It is often assumed that women have a much keener sense of public interest whilst business acumen is more developed in men. So the question before us is

What do we do when both of these – business sense and the sense of the public interest are qualities essential to the sustainability and development of new business models? The answer perhaps lies in shedding deeply rooted stereotypes and encouraging leadership fueled by an entrepreneurial women spirit or a spirit where these seemingly opposite sensibilities converge. But our experience with projects shows that debilitating stereotypes about women’s place in the economy are everywhere.

| Email: info@.arbutuscentre.org.za - Web: www.arbutuscentre.org.za |

ARBUTUS CENTRE FOR WOMEN

BY THE WOMEN FOR THE WOMEN
Women should be integrated in all phases of the process and they can also be the ones driving the program! To engage them, a solution can be
to identify, with the help of your local partner,
the key women in the community (wives of
influential business women, etc.) and to
make them ambassadors of their own projects. They
can be your entry point into the community.

Health, Safety and Freedom from Violence

Taking into account differential impacts, provide safe working conditions and protection from exposure to hazardous materials and disclose potential risks, including to reproductive health.
Establish a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of violence at work, including verbal and/or physical abuse, and prevent sexual harassment.
Strive to offer health insurance or other needed services –including for survivors of domestic violence –and ensure equal access for all employees.
Respect women workers’ rights to time off for medical care and counseling for themselves and their dependents.
In consultation with employees, identify and address security issues, including the safety of women traveling to and from work and on company-related business.
Train security staff and managers to recognize signs of violence against women and understand laws and company policies on human trafficking, labour and sexual exploitation.

Email: info@.arbutuscentre.org.za - Web: www.arbutuscentre.org.za

Women In Community Leadership & Engagement

Lead by example –showcase company commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Leverage influence, alone or in partnership, to advocate for gender equality and collaborate with business partners, suppliers and community leaders to promote inclusion.
Work with community stakeholders, officials and others to eliminate discrimination and exploitation and open opportunities for women and girls.
Promote and recognize women’s leadership in, and contributions to, their communities and ensure sufficient representation of women in any community consultation.
Use philanthropy and grants programmes to support company commitment to inclusion, equality and human rights.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?

As women are key for local development, women
empowerment is a lever for change that needs to
be activated. But what is the definition of women
empowerment? To give a generic definition is difficult
as it is highly dependent on women’s personal,
economic and social situation within their community.

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Women’s empowerment has five components:
women’s sense of self-worth; their right to have and
to determine choices; their right to have access to
opportunities and resources; their right to have the
power to control their own lives

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Both within and outside the home; and their ability to influence the direction of social change to create a more just social and economic order, nationally and internationally.

LEGAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

It suggests the provision of an effective legal structure which is supportive of women empowerment. It means addressing the gaps between what the law prescribes and what actually occurs.

WHAT WE STAND FOR...

ARBUTUS CENTRE FOR WOMEN

Health, Safety and Freedom from Violence

Women In Community Leadership & Engagement

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?