#CrackingTheCode
If you’ve been connected with us for a while, you’ll have heard the term Net Positive used over and over. And while the idea of doing more good than bad has been around for a while, it’s only in recent years that companies have started to look at it from a strategic lens. People are looking beyond just sustainability, and aiming to create more value for society and the environment than they extract.
How can we contribute to the world more positively? By #CrackingTheCode.
Every year on the 8th of March, people around the world come together to celebrate International Women's Day. A day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally; while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve a truly gender-equal world.
This year's theme is #CrackingTheCode. It’s about leveraging technology to crack the cultural, economic and social codes and behaviours that have been embedded in our systems for generations.
“Equality will only be achieved with bold transformative ideas, inclusive innovation and lasting solutions.”
- UN Women Australia
This year's theme encourages businesses and organisations to harness the power of technology to contribute to the UN’s SDGs, therefore creating positive social and environmental impacts. So, what does this look like in action? Here are a few examples:
Digital financial services can help address the financial inclusion gap that disproportionately affects women, particularly in developing countries. With mobile banking and digital wallets, women can access financial services and participate in the formal economy without having to physically visit a bank or financial institution, if that’s something that is out of reach.
Tech can be used to promote women's safety and security. For instance, apps that enable women to report instances of sexual harassment or violence can help hold perpetrators accountable and increase awareness of these issues. Additionally, innovative products such as personal safety devices, wearable tech, and smart city technologies can help create safer public spaces for women.
Businesses can use technology to increase access to education and employment opportunities for women, promote gender diversity and inclusion in their workforce, and create products and services that meet the unique needs and preferences of women. By doing so, businesses can create more value for society while achieving their financial and strategic goals.
Tech can also be leveraged to promote gender diversity and inclusion. For example, AI-powered recruitment tools can be used to help eliminate unconscious biases in hiring and ensure that job candidates are evaluated solely on their skills and qualifications. Companies can also use technology to track and measure gender diversity metrics, identify areas for improvement, and create more inclusive work environments.
Promoting gender equality and empowering women is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic business imperative. Research has shown that companies with more diverse workforces and leadership teams tend to be more innovative, resilient, and profitable. By investing in gender equality, businesses can tap into the full potential of their workforce and create more value for all people.
