We celebrate the Month of Women during the season of new beginnings. March is the start of spring when the Earth comes back to life and the planet is renewed from its lengthy hibernation.
On March 8, 2022, blossoming from a post-pandemic world is the theme for International Women’s Day, (IWD 2022): “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”
“It recognizes the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all. It also aligns with the priority theme for the upcoming 66th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66): “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes”.
According to unwomen.org, “women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most. At the same time, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation.”
As heat waves, droughts, rising sea levels, storm surges and the effects of extreme climate change continue, the social and economic repercussions are felt in the basic livelihood efforts of women, along in education, health and child care, and home displacement. When environmental resources are scarce, the outbreak of conflict is inevitable and leaves women and children more vulnerable to human rights violations.
IWD 2022 creates awareness on how gender inequality and the solutions for global warming are interconnected. When we take great leaps in policies, technology, and education programs, we can achieve a more sustainable Earth in 2050!
“Following the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, SM furthers its commitment to championing a gender-inclusive workplace…”
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan
Championing Women
Last year, SM officially became a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles making SM the largest homegrown company to sign the commitment to gender equality.
“Following the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, SM furthers its commitment to championing a gender-inclusive workplace. SM encourages women to grow to their fullest potential and provide opportunities to excel and be recognized,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan in an official statement of support for the UN WEPS.
Known as a staunch supporter of gender equality in the workforce, SM is an organization comprised of 130,421 or 65% women as of 2020. More interestingly, 58% are Senior Management positions while 60% are in middle management. This data covers SM Investment Corporation, SM Retail, SM Prime, BDO, China Bank, 2GO, Atlas Mining, and Belle Corp. The signing of the partnership agreement with the UN Women further strengthened their commitment to promote women empowerment in the workforce.
From the schoolroom to the boardroom, women continue to be a passionate voice in the fight against climate change. This is a sisterhood that tirelessly pursues and advocates to change the world for each other!
Learn more on how we make our world a better place. Visit the SM Green Movement on how we incorporate sustainable practices in the way we do our business, and don‘t forget to kickstart your journey with us in the SM Sustainability School!
