In March 2024, BCGE proudly launched the Impact Champion initiative, designed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, and community groups committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within their organisations. This initiative saw six BCGE member and partner organisations step up as “Impact Champions,” integrating DEI programs into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts through DEI training, workshops, and talks, advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing Workplace Gender Equality and DEI initiatives within both the private sector and the community.
Recently, BCGE conducted an “Inclusive Communications” training session for 120 MSMEs, supported by the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network (MYANWEN), as an Impact Champion 2024. Our Country Director, DEI Thought Leader, and Strategist, Daw Kyawt Kay Thi Win, led the session, covering essential topics such as the significance of inclusive communication, the factors leading to non-inclusive communication, the impact of language and pronouns, and strategies for fostering inclusivity. The training also included interactive discussions and exercises led by the Head of the Department, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Daw Catherine Hone Paing, ensuring a thorough understanding of inclusive communication practices for all attendees. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network (MYANWEN) for their commitment to advancing the DEI agenda. For those who missed this opportunity, stay tuned for our next call for champions in the coming years. Join us in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future!
Country Director and Trainers from BCGE and participants from “Inclusive Communications” training posing for a photo
In August, conducted an “Inclusive Leadership” training session for managers who are focused on supporting vulnerable individuals through loan schemes, supported by KBX-MicroFinance (KanbawzaX Microfinance Co., Ltd), as an Impact Champion 2024. Our Country Director, DEI Thought Leader, and Strategist, Daw Kyawt Kay Thi Win, led the session, covering essential topics such as t Understanding Diversity, Breaking Barriers by Addressing Unconscious Bias, Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination, and Practical Applications of Inclusive Leadership, among others. We extend our deepest gratitude to KBX-MicroFinance (KanbawzaX Microfinance Co., Ltd) for their commitment to advancing the DEI agenda.
Country Director and Trainers from BCGE and participants from “Inclusive Leadership” training posing for a photo
In September, BCGE delivered an “Reducing Unconscious Bias in the Workplace” session for social impact stakeholders of Awba Group, supported by the group as an Impact Champion 2024. Our Country Director, DEI Thought Leader, and Strategist, Daw Kyawt Kay Thi Win, led the session, adressing the critical topics of unconscious bias, how it works, common 12 types, cause and impact, mitigation strategies, and many more. We are grateful to Awba Group for their dedication to advancing the DEI agenda.
Country Director and Trainers from BCGE and participants from “Reducing Unconscious Bias in the Workplace” training posing for a photo
In October, we conducted an “Inclusive Workplace: A Workplace for All” training session for MSME business owners, supported by AYA Bank PCL, as an Impact Champion 2024. Our Head of Department, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Daw Catherine Hone Paing, and Senior Lead, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Daw Aye Chan Myae led the session, addressing the critical topics of Fundamental Principles in creating A Workplace For All for SME level, participating in the journey of “A Workplace For All”: fostering practices through checklists and tips and many more.
Trainers from BCGE and participants from “Inclusive Workplace: A Workplace for All” training posing for a photo
In November, we delivered an “Elevating A Respectful Workplace” session for women business advisors working at cosmetic retail counters, supported by Rohto Mentholatum Myanmar as an Impact Champion 2024. Our Head of Department, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Daw Catherine Hone Paing, Senior Lead, People & Purpose, Daw Mya Hpone Thant and Senior Lead, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Daw Aye Chan Myae led the session, addressing the critical topics of respect at work, bullying and harassment, common types of harassment and exploring cases, preventive initiatives for workplace harassment, empowering practices through policy for elevating a respectful workplace and many more.
Trainers from BCGE and participants from “Elevating A Respectful Workplace” training posing for a photo
Through the Impact Champion initiative, participating MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and individuals or groups are expected to achieve greater awareness and understanding of DEI principles, an improved organisational culture, enhanced recruitment and retention, better employee engagement and productivity, improved decision-making, and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
For those who missed this opportunity, stay tuned for our next call for champions in the coming years. Join us in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future!
