The OEC has launched Affinity Groups as part of its Diversity & Inclusion program

In yet another step on the Diversity & Inclusion journey and as planned in its strategy, OEC has launched its first Affinity Group, focusing on Gender Equity. Made up of 22 participants, 86% of whom are women, the group has been meeting to discuss and reflect on female representation in the company.

“We discuss situations in our daily lives where gender inequality occurs. I joined the group because I think it’s very important to talk about women’s difficulties in the organizational environment, especially since we often normalize situations that need to be discussed and changed. I’m very happy to see that the OEC is willing to confront and seek solutions to this scenario,” says Alane Barbosa, a member of the Renewable Energy area and a member of the Gender Equity Affinity Group.

The Affinity Groups are voluntary, self-managed spaces for reflection and representation. They are structured to give people a leading role in discussing issues related to social markers, and can generate proposals for analysis by the company.

The OEC works to publicize and promote the initiative, supports the structuring of the Groups so that they can function fully, promotes dialogue and establishes a flow for attending to and responding to suggestions.

This is yet another action in the company’s Diversity & Inclusion program, developed mainly since the publication of the D&I Policy, and which includes training and awareness-raising, inclusive recruitment and selection processes, affirmative vacancies, adaptation projects for humanized and inclusive construction sites, a mentoring program for women, an inclusive communication guide, among others.

“We remain committed to promoting a diverse, welcoming and inclusive work environment, respecting all people and guaranteeing human rights. We have a long way to go and each step planned and implemented brings the OEC closer to its goals,” says Ludmila Lavigne, head of People & Planning at the OEC.