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As we approach International Women's Day, this is an opportune moment to reflect on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which include a specific goal on Gender Equality and a focus on women's empowerment in other goals.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, ERM contributes to these initiatives in a number of ways and here are a few examples that we hope you will find inspiring.
ERM Foundation
The ERM Foundation’s adoption of ‘Empowering Women and Girls’ as a new focus area is in line with the SDGs that state that female empowerment is not only a human rights obligation but is also key to advancing sustainable development.
Our efforts concentrate on two main priorities:
Encouraging and enabling women and girls to pursue ‘STEM’ careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). As a company that has employees from ‘STEM’ backgrounds, we can play an effective role in introducing more girls and women to this field starting at school age and continuing through tertiary education and employment.
Supporting female entrepreneurs for sustainable livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. Research indicates that economically empowered women are more likely to use their income for their children’s education, health and family well-being. This can have a powerful impact on their children’s future prospects, helping to break the cycle of poverty as well as enabling them to contribute to the productive economy.
In addition, we are committed to applying a gender lens to our other focus areas, for example:
- Low carbon development
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Environmental education
Our employees in the spotlight
Attendance at annual UN event
Anna Tweten from our Ewing, New York office will be attending and reporting on the 60th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW60) this March, an annual two-week session in which representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities assemble at UN headquarters in New York. This year’s theme is Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development. The priority theme will be addressed through a series of presentations, ministerial round tables, interactive panels of experts, and over 500 parallel events organized by non-governmental organizations.
Learn more about the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the CSW60 Session
Women of Distinction Award
Christine Rock from our Vancouver office has been nominated for a YMCA Women of Distinction Award, Environmental Sustainability category, for her volunteer work as President of WildResearch, a registered, charitable, non-profit organization that Christina Rock with 5 others co-founded in 2010. WildResearch is the fastest growing naturalist club in British Columbia which has environmental leaders and citizen scientists of all ages and backgrounds. WildResearch members participate in citizen science programs and help to gather data on the Lower Mainland’s bird, and butterfly species, control invasive species, and much more. As a leader in these activities, Christine mentors the next generation of environmental leaders that we will see move to the forefront of conservation work.
Recognition as one of the most inspirational women in mining
Louise Pearce, Global Managing Partner for ERM’s Mining Sector, has been named as one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining 2016. Nominated by their peers, these women are recognised for their contribution to the mining industry and those around them. The list is produced by Women in Mining UK (WIM) - a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the employment, retention and progress of women in the mining industry.
Resources
ERM Foundation Annual Review 2015
