KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Building on its established commitment to Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE), FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) has taken a groundbreaking step forward. By integrating a gender perspective into its Group Sustainability Policy (GSP), this initiative is an integral part of its recently launched Sustainability Framework in July 2024 which emphasises women empowerment agenda as one of the focus areas under the Social pillar.
 
In further supporting the GEWE agenda, the Group achieved a historic milestone, enhancing its governance structure by appointing two distinguished female Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs), Dato’ Dr Suzana Idayu Wati Osman and Puan Nurul Muhaniza Hanafi, to its Board in April 2024. This move signifies FGV’s unwavering dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion across all organisational levels.
 
With these appointments, women now represent 50 percent of the Group’s Board composition, exceeding the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance’s (MCCG) recommendation of a 30 percent women representation minimum on the board. The Group’s initiatives align with the broader industry’s evolving standards for diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment is evident not only in strategic decision-making at the executive level but also in the day-to-day operations of the Group which include the establishment of the GEWE Committee in FGV.
 
Established in February 2021, the GEWE Committee plays a pivotal role in promoting full respect and support for women’s rights in the workplace, ensuring equality and non-discrimination. This committee guides the development of comprehensive gender equality policies and action plans, reinforces its commitment to equal opportunities and a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of discrimination in the workplace.
                                                                                                                                     
Aligned with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), FGV expands its focus beyond the boardroom to advancing GEWE across the organisation, supported by LeadWomen as an external consultant which was appointed in March 2024. The WEPs is a set of principles launched by UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) which guides businesses on advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
 
Since 2020, LeadWomen, a social enterprise focused on driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Boardrooms and Workplaces, served as UN Women Asia Pacific appointed firm in running the WEPs Activator Campaign for Malaysia and continues to support the private sector in the country to implement sustainable and holistic gender DEI initiatives. LeadWomen’s collaboration with FGV will involve multiple engagements and interventions, including but not limited to, policy review, gaps assessment, roundtable discussions, action planning and awareness training across the Group.
 
Dato’ Nazrul Mansor, Group Chief Executive Officer of FGV, reaffirms FGV’s commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, with a focus on empowering women and recognising their roles in leadership positions.
 
“At FGV, we believe that gender equity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that enhances our corporate governance and propels our growth. The appointments of Dato’ Dr. Suzana and Puan Nurul Muhaniza to our Board of Directors are a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as to fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, for a more dynamic and innovative governance structure.”
 
Furthermore, the Group also created history by appointing its first female mill manager, in January 2024 marking a significant stride in promoting gender diversity and equality in a sector traditionally dominated by male leadership.
 
In 2023 and 2024, FGV also organised several initiatives to support GEWE that includes celebrating International Women’s Day with activities such as panel discussion on women empowerment and gender equality in the palm oil sector, held in collaboration with LeadWomen and attended by 100 participants from various sectors. During this event, FGV also announced its commitment as a signatory to the WEP.
 
Additionally, FGV collaborated with the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by organising a workshop to raise awareness and understanding of sexual harassment, attended by 50 representatives from FGV and other palm oil companies. The workshop covered topics on gender, power dynamics, gender-based violence, and workplace sexual harassment. Furthermore, FGV launched the Women in Leadership Programme, designed for female employees at the Manager and Senior Executive levels, to nurture future leaders and promote more women in leadership roles, enhancing organisational performance and societal impact.
 
Through these actions, FGV showcases ongoing commitment to championing women’s rights and fosters gender equality within its organisation and the broader industry. This focus aligns seamlessly with the recently launched FGV Sustainability Framework in July that encompasses 5 main pillars that include Economic Growth, Governance, Social, Environment, and Innovation & Technology. The framework also prioritises human rights and compliance with labour standards while aiming to foster positive environmental and social impacts.
 
For further information on FGV’s initiatives and principles, please visit www.fgvholdings.com.

SOURCE : FGV

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Noor Syuhada Naziri
Email: syuhada.n@fgvholdings.com  
 
Name: Sallehin Mokhtar
Email: sallehin.m@fgvholdings.com  

--BERNAMA