Empowering women in the workplace: Standard Chartered reinforces commitment to reproductive health-focused policies

Standard Chartered has affirmed its commitment to enhancing employee well-being, especially for women.

The Bank recently hosted a stakeholder forum to engage and launch the Ghana Women-Friendly Workplaces Report by management and research firm Konfidants Ghana. Stakeholders discussed female employees’ unique reproductive health concerns at the workplace.

Creating inclusive and supportive workplaces that prioritise women’s reproductive health and career advancement is essential for fostering equity and well-being.

The Ghana Women-Friendly Workplaces Report by Konfidants explored how workplace policies and practices impact women’s reproductive health, well-being, and professional growth.

The report, based on a survey of female respondents across the public and private sectors, not only defined the reproductive health needs of women in the workplace but also outlined policy and legal imperatives while showcasing proactive, reproductive health-friendly practices that organisations should adopt.

The stakeholder forum which followed the launch of the report brought together distinguished guests, including representatives from the Office of the Vice-President, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), academia, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and members of Ghana’s security services.

They shared insights and perspectives on workplace support for women during menstruation, when trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, miscarriage, and surrogacy among others.

They also discussed practical examples of policies and practices in supporting women’s reproductive health, well-being, career progression and strategies to drive sustainable policy improvements and collaborative avenues and partnerships to drive advocacy and change.

Speaking at the forum Gifty Fordwuo, Head, Human Resources at Standard Chartered underscored the Bank’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for women facing reproductive health challenges.

She remarked, “Women navigate diverse reproductive challenges throughout their lives while managing demanding careers. At Standard Chartered, we understand that supporting women through these milestones is not just about kindness, it’s about fostering an environment where women can excel.”

The Bank has made significant strides in employee well-being by introducing policies tailored for both male and female employees.

Through ongoing employee listening surveys and qualitative feedback, the Bank seeks to understand the lived experiences of its staff, particularly women, and implement targeted changes to promote inclusion and improve workplace experiences.

For instance, the Bank offers flexible work arrangements to support women managing severe menstrual symptoms, recognising the connection between productivity and well-being.

Additionally, Standard Chartered provides five months of comprehensive maternity leave for women, covering childbirth, adoption, and surrogacy. Acknowledging the vital role of fathers, male employees are also granted five months of paternity leave.

Standard Chartered’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace goes beyond policies. Through its collaboration with Konfidants, the Bank is driving conversations that challenge traditional workplace norms and advocate for reproductive health-friendly practices.

By championing flexible policies, extended parental leave and open discussions on women’s health, Standard Chartered is setting a precedent for organisations to prioritise employee well-being. With this initiative, the Bank reinforces its dedication to ensuring women not only feel supported but also have the opportunity to thrive in their careers.

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