Exxaro Resources, one of South Africa’s largest black-empowered mining companies, has been included in the Bloomberg 2021 Gender Equality Index (GEI).
The Bloomberg GEI tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency. It provides a framework to help businesses assess their progress on the journey to gender equality. It also helps give investors insight into possible investments with regards to employee engagement and productivity and future market value while driving positive change in the communities in which they operate.
Exxaro is proud to share this prestigious achievement with 380 companies worldwide, including global brands names like Nestle, Ford, Coca-Cola, DuPont, Unilever and L’Oréal, as well as our local mining peers such as; Anglo American and AngloAshanti . Even though the inclusion criteria were stricter this year, these companies have come forward to show that their strong corporate cultures are driving progress on gender equality both now and in the future. According to Peter Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg, “The companies included in this year’s Gender-Equality Index are committed to providing an inclusive work environment, supporting work-life balance and flexible work arrangements to retain a talented workforce and create a competitive advantage in this changing business environment.”
As a company focused on diversity and inclusion, Exxaro is proud that their efforts have been recognised by the index. The company is actively involved in numerous initiatives that focus on ensuring equal representation in the workplace, celebrating women in mining, and standing against gender-based violence. The company has zero-tolerance for discrimination and strives to make all opportunities available to every single employee – regardless of their race or gender. With the COVID-19 pandemic in full force, there’s been an increased focus on the social aspect of ESG to ensure that the new world of work is an inclusive space, and Exxaro is committed to being at the forefront of this.
“Meeting South Africa’s transformation objectives through our continuous investment in diversity and skills development is important to Exxaro,” said Mxolisi Mgojo Exxaro Resources.
“The recognition of our gender equality efforts by being included in the Bloomberg GEI has reassured our diversity and inclusion and employment equity strategies in promoting transformation and empowering our employees,” concluded Mgojo.