Gender diversity, an asset for integration and inclusion
About this good practice
Economic Integration (IAE) organisations face the same challenges as other businesses: economic, technological, technical and social. Gender equality in the workplace is a real opportunity to boost the performance and competitiveness of organisations, although it is often seen as a constraint and difficult to implement. The introduction of a gender equality clause in the agreements between the French government and social integration organisations has given impetus to an in-depth reflection on gender equality in the workplace for all social integration players in Meuse. A collective initiative, the first of its kind in France, was piloted by Aract Grand Est in partnership with IAE players (UD Meuse de la Direccte, Département de la Meuse, Pôle Emploi, Déléguée aux droits des femmes et à l'égalité, ACI 55 and IAE Grand Est).
4 approved authorized bodies (Pôle Emploi, Missions locales, CIDFF and Département de la Meuse) and 14 volunteer organisations took part in this process by taking part in 4 themed workshops. These meetings provided an opportunity to use tools that challenged their representations, such as forum theatre.
This work led to the implementation of concrete actions to promote gender diversity. We have identified 4 areas for action to promote gender diversity:
- awareness of our representations and stereotypes
- actions relating to work organisation
- skills-based thinking
- non-stereotypical internal and external communication
Resources needed
Part of the action was funded by the UD Direccte de la Meuse, the departmental delegation for women's rights and equality and Aract Grand Est.
2 Aract project managers were mobilised to design and manage this action and to run it with the structures
Evidence of success
10 IAE structures and 10 authorized bodies worked together to identify the obstacles/ levers to gender diversity and professional equality. Employees took part in theme days. Short-term actions implemented (changing names of actions to encourage men AND women to work in them; promoting the guide developed led to a request from national level to inspire others). Long-term actions in place (work organisation).
Potential for learning or transfer
To ensure that the whole sector benefits from this work, the guide is available free of charge. It aims to integrate structures, authorized bodies, and all those involved in social integration. It presents practical tools and resources to help develop gender diversity and equality in the workplace. It's illustrated by testimonials. This guide has spread beyond the borders of the Grand Est region and has been downloaded many times. Aract is regularly asked to present this initiative at conferences and webinars. Other sectors are also interested in this initiative.
Further information
La mixité, un atout pour l'insertion
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Good practice owner
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