For 2017, the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) once again brought back the renowned International Women’s Day Great Debate in partnership with Konica Minolta’s community partner, Project Futures. The debate celebrated and highlighted the importance of gender diversity in the Australian workplace, the achievements of women in society, and raised awareness of the prevalence of human trafficking in our region.
The importance of gender equality at Konica Minolta
At Konica Minolta, gender equality has been a key focus of our diversity and inclusion work. Last December our efforts were recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)’s Employee of Choice for Gender Equality accreditation. The employee of choice accreditation acknowledges businesses that encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Although great products and outstanding customer service contribute to business growth, by strategically linking our business our people strategies to our CSR objectives, Konica Minolta is fostering a new giving approach that generates shared value for both employees and customers.
A key pillar of this approach is collaboration with like-minded organisations. By aligning with shared value charity partners such as Project Futures, Konica Minolta is fostering a new model of corporate philanthropy & employee engagement driven by a values-based people strategy.
Since 2013, Konica Minolta’s contributions towards Project Futures has exceeded $200,000, but it is about a lot more than just donations. What makes the relationship special is the level of employee engagement across the business.
The depth of this partnership was on display at the IWD Great Debate. More the 20 Konica Minolta employee volunteers assisted during the debate, with many describing their experiences as a great opportunity that was both fun and rewarding.
Reflecting on the contribution of the volunteers to the smooth running for the day, Tamara Wright, Signature Events Manager of AIM said, “I also want to say a big thank you to the volunteers from Konica Minolta who did a fabulous job on the day – I could not have executed the event without their help.”
One-step closer to a better future.
With approximately 45.8 million people in modern slavery today, Project Futures constantly works to raise awareness with the ongoing issues of human trafficking, slavery and exploitation that takes place across the Asia-Pacific region.
With some 2000 guests and 170 organisations represented, a total of $43,000 was raised across five events around Australia.
Download our latest CSR Strategy
*Global Slavery Index 2016, Walk Free
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