Respect in The Context of Gender Diversity and Inclusion
21 September 2020
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a leading mining company in Indonesia with a commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment. One of the core values of our operations captured under SINCERE is RESPECT, a value which we aim to cultivate throughout the organization as one of the fundamental pillars of our corporate identity. RESPECT is treating each other and our stakeholders with respect, regardless of their age, religion, ethnicity, and gender.
Gender not only refers to biological differences between females and males, it also encompasses the social and cultural characteristics, expectations, roles, values and norms associated with being male or female. Importantly, these latter factors shift over time and in different contexts. For example, women have been actively involved in mining throughout history, whether underground or on the surface. Following an accident in an English mine in the 19th century, women were banned from underground mining. Combined with general lifestyle changes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many women gradually withdrew from the mining industry.
Despite this industrial change, many women continued to work in mining alongside men digging gold in Australia, Brazil and the American West. Today, female workforce participation rates have been increasing with many company leaders realizing that a diverse workforce leads to better outcomes, more innovation, better decision making, happier employees, a safer workplace and higher profit margins.
RESPECT for each other and our stakeholders is important to PTFI because:
- We value the diversity, ideas, perspectives and experiences of our employees and our stakeholders.
- We make decisions without favoritism or negative bias.
- We embrace a workplace culture that supports the free flow of information and sharing of ideas.
Embracing gender diversity and an inclusive workplace environment is based on RESPECT, a key component of our corporate culture. Treating women and men fairly at work also aligns with international human rights principles. How can we implement RESPECT by embracing gender diversity and inclusion in our workplace and with our stakeholders?
- Collaborate: be open and listen to the input of others, co-workers and stakeholders alike, and work together to find optimal solutions.
- Empower: help ensure all relevant parties have a seat at the table with a voice. Have we included the voice of our female co-workers, and have we listened to the input from the mama-mama in the kampung?
- Be Impactful: measure our success in being diverse and inclusive by tracking how many women and men are participating.
- Communicate: be cognizant of your body language, tone of voice, demeanor and expression so co-workers hear what you’re really saying in addition to your words.
PTFI is actively working on our Gender Diversity and Inclusion strategy. Please feel free to email your thoughts and ideas to the Gender Diversity and Inclusion Group by contacting
[email protected].
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