Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas is a member of the Indonesia Global Compact Network (IGCN) as part of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This sustainability initiative supports global companies, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations to support the Sustainability Development Goals/SDGs). APP Sinar Mas started to join IGNC in 2012 represented by five companies: PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk, PT Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk, PT Lontar Papyrus Pulp and Paper Industry, PT Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills, and PT Ekamas Fortuna.
One of APP Sinar Mas’ priorities is defining women empowerment which is also a discussion topic that is recently shared through APP Academy mini workshop titled ‘Women Empowerment Principles’ and attended by the managements and employees . The workshop talked about understanding the roles of women in the workplace and at the professional scope, and the company’s strategies to implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
“Lots of studies related to women’s role stated increasing women participation prove to increase the productivity and even company profit. This also highlighted that we should continue to support women's involvement and empowerment at the workplace and entrepreneurs,” said APP Sinar Mas Chief Sustainability Officer Elim Sritaba.
Elim said the collaboration within the company and Martha Tilaar Group (MTG) is one of the efforts to support women's empowerment in the community. This collaboration began in 2019 seek to empower women living near the APP Sinar Mas’ operational areas and wood suppliers. Various training was held across Indonesia about entrepreneurship, herbal plants farming, and, also beauty classes.
Head of HRBP H Q APP Sinar Mas Natalia Suwignyo added that the company will continue to support equal rights for every employee aside from their gender. She hopes women at APP Sinar Mas could be a leader in their fields, besides the company assisted with the proper empowering program. “Hopefully this can encourage all the women out there that we can do anything we want and aspire to be. We all have our own potentials, and as long as we keep the passion and never stop learning, we can definitely achieve those goals,” she explained.
IGCN Executive Director Josephine Satyono also appreciated the commitment from APP Sinar Mas for implementing the policies and programs supporting women's empowerment. “World Economic Forum estimated that we need at least ten generations to achieve the goals of gender equality in the world. Though the process is still a long way to go, Glad that APP Sinar Mas be a part of this through their commitments and its realizations,” she added.
As an effort to achieve the SDGs Goals number 5, APP Sinar Mas has signed the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) commitment. The principle is stated as guidelines to run the business, empowering women in the workplace, business activities, and communities. Below are the seven WEPs principles:
1. High-level corporate leadership
2. Treat all women and men fairly at work without discrimination
3. Employee health, well-being, and safety
4. Education and training for career advancement
5. Enterprise development, supply chain, and marketing practices
6. Community initiatives and advocacy
7. Measurement and reporting
One of the company targets is to empower women by increasing the percentage of women at the management level. Besides, empowerment programs for women living near operational areas are also mentioned in the Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030. Find out more here: https://asiapulppaper.com/in/sustainability-roadmap-vision-2030.