As the world continues to be confronted by systemic inequalities and societal norms that limit the representation and advancement of women, the ABLC recognizes the urgency needed to dismantle these barriers in the workplace, market-place and broader community.

Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) is committed to advancing gender equality, united in the belief that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but a catalyst for business value, inclusive economic growth and sustainable development on the continent.

Africa Business Leaders’ Gender Statement

We affirm the critical importance of gender equality in our workplaces, marketplaces and communities at large and the substantial socioeconomic benefits that result from equality 

We commit to: 

• Consistently improve women's representation with the long-term ambition to achieve equal representation, participation, and leadership at all levels of management 
• Ensure equal treatment of women and men within our organizations, supply chains, and beyond, considering the advancement of gender equality as an executive leadership priority 

We commit to consistently collect, analyze, use, and report on standardized sex-disaggregated data (e.g., women representation in leadership, suppliers, etc.), underscoring the critical role of measurement and transparent reporting in fulfilling our gender equality objectives 

We commit to:

• Implement gender-responsive policies and practices that foster inclusive and bias-free workplaces for all including but not limited to recruitment, development, performance management, advancement, and equal pay for work of equal value
• Have gender equality mainstreamed across our ESG strategies and actions 
• Provide flexible working arrangements, parental leave and family-friendly workplace policies and practices to support dependent care 

We commit to establish procurement policies and implement gender-responsive business practices that support suppliers’ efforts to attain higher levels of gender equality 

We commit to support women entrepreneurs, particularly those in the informal sector and SME business owners, by leveraging our diverse strengths or resources to provide offerings such as trainings, mentorship, financing and procurement opportunities where applicable 

We commit to employ our collective insights and learned best practices to advocate for the eradication of negative gender stereotypes and biases in our workplaces, marketplaces, and communities at large 

We call on African institutions and governments to enact legislation, formulate policies and initiate supporting measures that unlock women's labor force participation and/or business ownership (e.g., eliminating transport insecurity) 

We call on African institutions and governments to strengthen policies and laws that prevent all forms of discrimination and violence against women, thereby ensuring safer workplaces, marketplaces and communities

Read the Africa Business Leaders’ Gender Statement