Introduction

In an increasingly conscious marketplace, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved beyond mere philanthropy to become a strategic imperative for businesses seeking long-term sustainability and positive societal impact. However, for CSR initiatives to be truly effective and equitable, they must explicitly integrate a gender perspective. Gender inequalities are deeply embedded in supply chains, labor practices, community development projects, and environmental impacts, meaning that gender-blind CSR can inadvertently perpetuate disparities or miss crucial opportunities for positive change. By systematically analyzing and addressing the distinct ways in which business operations affect women, men, and gender-diverse individuals, companies can unlock new opportunities for innovation, enhance their reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and contribute genuinely to sustainable development. This essential training course focuses on Gender in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), equipping participants to drive more impactful and equitable business practices.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip CSR professionals, sustainability managers, human resources leaders, ethical sourcing specialists, investor relations teams, and business executives with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate gender considerations across all facets of Corporate Social Responsibility. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the business case for gender-responsive CSR, learn to conduct gender impact assessments of business operations, and explore strategies for designing and implementing inclusive CSR initiatives. The course will delve into topics such as gender-equitable supply chains, women's economic empowerment in CSR, combating gender-based violence in the workplace and communities, gender-sensitive community engagement, and reporting on gender equality in CSR frameworks. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Gender in Corporate Social Responsibility, participants will be empowered to lead transformative change, enhance brand value, and contribute to a more just and sustainable global economy.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers and Directors
• Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Professionals
• Human Resources Leaders and Professionals
• Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Managers
• Investor Relations Specialists
• Business Development and Strategy Managers
• Public Relations and Communications Teams
• Compliance Officers and Legal Counsel in Corporations
• Development Practitioners working with the Private Sector
• Consultants specializing in CSR and Gender

Course Objectives

• Understand the intersections of gender equality and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• Analyze the business case for integrating gender into CSR strategies.
• Learn to conduct gender impact assessments of business operations and value chains.
• Develop strategies for fostering gender-equitable workplaces through CSR initiatives.
• Acquire skills in promoting women's economic empowerment through inclusive business models and supply chains.
• Comprehend the role of CSR in preventing and responding to gender-based violence in the workplace and communities.
• Explore approaches to gender-sensitive community engagement and development through CSR.
• Identify opportunities for integrating gender into environmental sustainability efforts.
• Examine global best practices and reporting frameworks for gender in CSR.
• Develop a practical action plan for integrating gender into their organization's CSR strategy.
• Enhance communication and advocacy skills for responsible and equitable business conduct.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender and CSR

• Defining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its evolution.
• Understanding gender as a social construct and its relevance to business impacts.
• The business case for gender equality: increased innovation, productivity, reputation.
• Global frameworks connecting business and human rights, and gender (e.g., UN Guiding Principles, SDGs).
• The concept of "gender-blind" vs. "gender-responsive" CSR.

Module 2: Gender Impact Assessment in Business Operations

• Methodologies for conducting gender impact assessments (GIA) of company operations.
• Identifying direct and indirect gendered impacts across the business value chain (e.g., labor, sourcing, product use).
• Engaging diverse stakeholders in the GIA process.
• Using GIA findings to inform and revise CSR strategies.
• Practical exercises in identifying potential gender impacts.

Module 3: Gender-Equitable Workplaces as a Pillar of CSR

• Implementing policies for equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and diversity.
• Addressing gender pay gaps and promoting pay equity.
• Creating inclusive cultures that support women's leadership and advancement.
• Flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies.
• Best practices in internal gender equality initiatives as part of CSR.

Module 4: Gender-Responsive Supply Chains and Responsible Sourcing

• Identifying gender risks and opportunities in supply chains (e.g., forced labor, exploitation of women workers).
• Due diligence processes for human rights and gender in sourcing.
• Empowering women workers in supply chains through fair wages, safe conditions, and collective bargaining.
• Supporting women-owned businesses in the supply chain.
• Certifications and standards for gender-equitable supply chains.

Module 5: Women's Economic Empowerment through CSR

• Designing CSR programs that foster women's entrepreneurship and access to markets.
• Providing financial literacy and business skills training for women in communities.
• Supporting women's access to land, technology, and productive resources.
• Impact investing and gender lens investing as part of corporate strategy.
• Measuring the economic impact of CSR initiatives on women.

Module 6: Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Business Contexts

• Recognizing the role of businesses in GBV prevention and response.
• Developing workplace policies against sexual harassment and other forms of GBV.
• Creating safe reporting mechanisms and support for survivors.
• Engaging with communities to address GBV in areas of operation.
• Collaboration with civil society and government on GBV prevention efforts.

Module 7: Gender-Sensitive Community Engagement and Development

• Engaging with communities in a way that amplifies women's voices and participation.
• Designing community development projects that address gender-specific needs and priorities.
• Ensuring equitable access to benefits from CSR initiatives.
• Local content development and job creation with a gender lens.
• Measuring the social impact of CSR on gender equality at the community level.

Module 8: Integrating Gender in Environmental and Climate CSR

• Understanding the gendered impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.
• Women's roles as agents of environmental protection and climate action.
• Designing green initiatives and sustainable practices with a gender lens.
• Ensuring women's participation in environmental decision-making related to company operations.
• Reporting on gender in environmental and governance (ESG) disclosures.

Module 9: Reporting, Accountability, and Future of Gender in CSR

• Key reporting frameworks for CSR and gender (e.g., GRI, SASB, Women's Empowerment Principles).
• Developing transparent and credible gender-related CSR reports.
• Engaging with investors and stakeholders on gender performance.
• Addressing challenges and resistance to gender integration in CSR.
• Emerging trends: gender lens investing, human rights due diligence, and the future of equitable business.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training