The Medical Concierge Group (TMCG) has successfully demonstrated how it has implemented data-driven and technology-enabled initiatives to promote gender equality at the workplace and in communities.
TMCG did this as it hosted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme Mission, UNDP-Uganda, and Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
Presenting to the team, Mildred Kobusingye, the human resource manager at TMCG said participating in the Gender Equality Seal Program has improved gender responsiveness in the organisation’s policies.
”We partnered with Frauen Initiative Uganda to train managers and staff on sexual harassment at the workplace, and have made the gender equality and sexual harassment policies available to all staff,” Mildred explained.
The innovations that have been implemented by TMCG include;
- SMS-based information dissemination on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness and prevention (SMS ‘GBV’ to 8080).
- Social media awareness campaigns like #16DaysOfActivism
- Self-service online commerce platform (e-shop) for access to critical sexual and reproductive health services like emergency contraception.
- Web-based referral portal for linkage to support services for survivors of GBV.
Angella Bageine, the Gender Equality Seal specialist from UNDP commended TMCG for being quick to adopt best practices in gender equality in workplaces.
”We need more companies to do what TMCG is doing. Gender equality is a movement. It is a call to action. There is a need to support organisations on policy development and capacity building,” Bageine said.
Dr. John Mark Bwanika, the Head of Projects and Research at TMCG shared the organisation’s experience in public health projects which have components of GBV incorporated into program design and implementation.
”Our experience with several projects on HIV, malaria, family planning, and social behaviour change across the country has given us access and capacity to implement expanded community-based research and enhance service delivery,” he explained.
Dr. Louis Kamulegeya, who led the implementation of the project at TMCG thanked the UNDP Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme Mission for providing mentorship and support that translated into the growth and improvement of organisation and staff relations at TMCG.
About Gender Equality Seal Program
The Seal is a symbol that recognises companies for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace.
Under this programme, organisations are facilitated to develop and implement gender equality policies. Surveys are conducted to review organisations’ recruitment, remuneration, gender representation/balance, sexual harassment, and communication policies.
With 90 private sector companies signed up under PSFU, the program is now targeting small and medium enterprises and public institutions.
Written by Daniel Mumbere.
Photos by Alex Rukunya.