MTN Nigeria has been awarded the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) MOVE certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) , making the technology company the first in Africa to be awarded this certificate.
According to MTN in a statement, the EDGE certificate is a testament to its commitment to identifying and addressing gender disparity in the workplace.
MTN joined over 250 organisations across 57 countries and 27 industry sectors, including institutions like the World Bank Group, Deloitte Switzerland AG, and UNICEF, among others in September 2023.
Commenting on the EDGE Certificate, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria said, “This certificate further underscores our commitment to bridging gender gaps. The female representation in our workforce has grown by 2.7% in the past year (now 38.3%) showing pleasing progress towards our 2030 goal of 50%. We have a firm belief in gender inclusion at the workplace”.
Also, Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s Regional Director, of Central Africa, and Anglophone West Africa, said “Women are still underrepresented in the workforce and the economy, thus limiting economic prosperity. Actions that promote women’s equal participation as employees and entrepreneurs are crucial for the private sector to address gender gaps and benefit from the dividends of gender equality. Through IFC’s advisory support to MTN Nigeria under the Nigeria2Equal gender program, the company has prioritized diversity and inclusion within its leadership and workforce, and attaining this certification attests to that.”
Accepting the certificate, Chief Human Resources Officer, Esther Akinnukawe highlighted recent developments in MTN to promote gender inclusion in the workplace. “Some of our gender inclusion initiatives such as the Women at Y’ello network and the HeforShe Initiative have contributed to making MTN a great place to work. The EDGE MOVE certification establishes us as trailblazers, making MTN Nigeria the pioneering telecom company in Africa and the second in Sub-Saharan Africa to attain this.”
Aniela Unguresan, Founder and Member of the EDGE Certified Foundation Board added “Receiving their first EDGE Certification at the EDGE Move level is a significant achievement for MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, highlighting their strong commitment to workplace gender equity. This certification not only recognizes the progress made by the organization but also emphasizes the ongoing commitment of its leadership team to advancing a culture of inclusivity. Genuine transformation in workplace culture can only be realized when leaders recognize the imperative for change, thereby paving the way for diverse and inclusive experiences for all.”
MTN Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and champions gender equality.