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Women Economic Forum: synergy to strengthen equity

Francisco Do Pico, Daniela Osorio and Margarita Garzón attended this event where Tecpetrol, Tenaris and Techint E&C received recognition for best practices in Ecuador.

Reducing the gender gap, inclusive leadership and sustainability in the industry were just some of the topics discussed by representatives of Tecpetrol, Tenaris and Techint E&C at the latest meeting of the Women Economic Forum (WEF), held in Quito under the motto “Cooperation and Progress.” One of the most important events held at international level, it drew the participation of 59 speakers from 14 countries.

Margarita Garzón, Human Resources Manager at Techint E&C-

Francisco Do Pico, Country Director of Tecpetrol, participated in the panel “Sustainable Innovation: Raising Human Wellbeing Beyond Business”, where he highlighted the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating, "In the past year, we’ve made significant contributions to 11 of the 17 goals, while also indirectly supporting the others."

Asked about the company’s most recent achievements, Do Pico highlighted the work carried out to promote employee safety and health and care for the environment, as well as the latest stages in the diversity program launched in 2019. “We’re focusing on several key areas, including sexual orientation, nationalities and culture, and disabilities. We regularly assess the work environment and use those evaluations to improve our performance in these areas. Additionally, we’ve implemented internal policies to prevent and address any potential cases of workplace or sexual harassment," he said.

Commitment at senior management level

Margarita Garzón, Human Resources Manager at Techint E&C, and Daniela Osorio, Human Resources Manager at Tenaris, took part in the panel on “Good Practices in Sustainability Strategy and SDG 5”.

Referring to the actions carried out by Techint E&C to promote gender equality, Garzón explained that there is a plan defined by the CEO and Governance to guarantee equality in the organization. She highlighted initiatives like equal pay for equal positions, equity and diversity training, and an extended maternity and paternity leave policy. “We know these actions have a significant impact on our employees' lives, and we’re committed to continuing to promote them, building a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone,” she said.

Francisco Do Pico, Country Director of Tecpetrol.-

Garzón emphasized that to ensure the sustainability of these programs, the company has secured strong commitment from senior management. “We’re fortunate to have leadership that fully supports our initiatives, and we’ve developed a soft skills training program specifically for middle and senior management, called the Leadership Development Program,” she explained.

Asked about the measures taken at Tenaris, Osorio highlighted several initiatives, including the commitment to achieving gender parity at all levels, evaluating employees based on their contributions to fostering an inclusive environment, and awareness campaigns promoting the active role of men in family life. “Today, the role of Human Resources goes beyond ensuring equality,” she said. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, with respect and support for diversity in all its forms."

Osorio explained that the company aims to "encourage discussions about the role of women in the industry and the importance of advancing these values." She added that, "This is why we are advocating for a dialogue that supports investments in programs designed to empower women."

Recognition of best practices

During the Women Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 gala event, several companies were recognized for their dedication to promoting gender equality and their positive impact on communities. One standout category was the "Iconic Companies Creating a Better World for All" award, honoring organizations that have implemented innovative practices to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture while enriching the surrounding communities.

Techint E&C was recognized for its School Medical Brigades program, a project for school-aged children living in the communities neighboring its projects in the country, offering access to free dental and vision care.

Daniela Osorio, Human Resources Manager at Tenaris.-

Meanwhile, Tenaris was recognized for its gender-focused Diversity program, and Tecpetrol received an award for its education program. The Roberto Rocca Educational Scholarships are awarded to 50 female students from rural areas within its area of influence and the company is also engaging these students in the “Women Who Inspire” project, which includes talks on female empowerment and inspiring testimonies from professional women in the industry.

For the company, driving synergies that boost gender equality and empower women’s economic and professional growth is a top priority. That’s why Tecpetrol is committed to engaging in spaces that promote these objectives, reinforcing our dedication to equity and inclusion across every facet of our business.

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