By Hermien Botes, Head of Sustainability Engagement
Everyone has the right to dignity – in our homes, offices and everywhere in-between.
On International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on behaviours that can compromise our feelings of respect and dignity at work, such as discrimination and harassment.
It’s what we call ‘Living with Dignity’ – and it’s a journey we are committing ourselves to over the next several years, starting with two initiatives.
Partnering with International Alert
In November 2018, the South African President called gender-based violence a ‘national crisis’. In his State of the Nation address, he issued a call for all South Africans to eradicate violence against women and vulnerable groups in the country.
As companies and countries, we need to better understand the root causes of prejudice and violence at work. It is against this backdrop that we are announcing a research collaboration in South Africa with our NGO partner, International Alert.
The research will help us understand the experience of women at mining operations and in their communities, as it relates to violence and harassment. The aim is to identify potential root causes of conflict, to ensure the safety of women at our operations and work with partners to mobilise against violence in surrounding communities.
Specific measures to end violence against women will stem from the outcomes of these studies and engagement with government departments, other companies, donor agencies and NGOs.
“Many countries have come a long way on legislation to ensure gender equality. But the reality for millions of women in their relationships, communities and workplaces is one of discrimination, violence and inequality. To change that requires many actors to engage, and businesses can make a concrete difference. They can create work environments based on policies, practices and values to ensure gender equality. We are pleased to be able to extend our long-term partnership with Anglo American to work together on addressing such an important issue.”
Trine Pertou Mach – Head of Economic Development for Peace, International Alert
Partnering with Business Fights Poverty
We can also announce our participation in Business Fights Poverty’s Gender-Based Violence Challenge. The Challenge, sponsored by the International Finance Corporation and supported by CARE International, brings leading experts and organisations together to find tangible ways that the private sector can fight violence against women.
“We want all our people to feel welcome, valued and respected for who they are, with the opportunity to fulfil their potential. That’s what we call Living with Dignity. It’s our mission to ensure our work places and communities are safe, effective and enabling for everyone.”
— Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive
