Gender Balance Policy - AgriVentures

1. Introduction

Agriventure recognizes the importance of gender balance and diversity in fostering innovation and driving sustainable development in the agrifood sector. This Gender Balance Policy outlines our commitment to promoting gender equality within our organization and among our members.

2. Objectives

To promote equal opportunities for participation and leadership regardless of gender.
To create an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
To ensure that women and men have equal access to the benefits and opportunities provided by Agriventure membership.
To actively address and mitigate any barriers or challenges faced by individuals based on gender.

Work-life Balance and Organizational Structure

Implement flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and family-friendly policies, to support work-life balance for all members.
Promote a healthy work culture that values well-being, mental health, and personal development.
Ensure transparency and inclusivity in organizational decision-making processes and structures.

Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision Making

Set targets for gender balance in leadership positions within Agriventure, including the Board of Directors, advisory board, and community builders.
Implement mentorship and leadership development programs specifically targeted at supporting women and underrepresented genders in advancing to leadership roles.
Ensure that recruitment and promotion processes are free from gender bias and actively promote diversity and inclusion.

Gender Equality in Career Opportunities

Provide equal access to career advancement opportunities, professional development resources, and networking platforms for all members, regardless of gender.
Monitor and address any disparities in salary, promotions, and job assignments based on gender.

Integration of Gender Dimensions into Teaching Content

Incorporate gender-sensitive perspectives and examples into educational materials, workshops, and training sessions offered by Agriventure.
Promote awareness and understanding of gender issues and their relevance to the agrifood sector among members and stakeholders.

Measures Against Gender-based Violence Including Sexual Harassment

Establish a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, within Agriventure and its community.
Provide training and resources on recognizing, preventing, and addressing gender-based violence and harassment for all members.
Implement confidential reporting mechanisms and support systems for victims of gender-based violence, ensuring their safety and well-being.

3. Membership Policy Integration

Membership eligibility and benefits are extended to individuals and organizations without discrimination based on gender identity or expression.
Agriventure will actively encourage and support the participation of women in our community and leadership roles.
Membership fees and benefits will be structured in a way that promotes accessibility and affordability for all genders.

4. Recruitment and Representation

Agriventure will strive for gender balance in recruitment efforts for staff, volunteers, and leadership positions.
Efforts will be made to ensure diverse representation in panels, committees, and speaking opportunities at events organized by Agriventure.
Gender diversity will be considered in the selection of mentors, advisors, and experts engaged by Agriventure to provide support and guidance to members.

5. Awareness and Education

Agriventure will conduct regular training and awareness sessions on gender equality and unconscious bias for staff, volunteers, and members.
Resources and information related to gender equality and women's empowerment in the agrifood sector will be shared through our communication channels and events.
Agriventure will collaborate with partners and stakeholders to advocate for gender-responsive policies and practices in the agrifood industry.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

Progress towards gender balance and equality will be monitored and evaluated regularly through gender-disaggregated data collection and analysis.
Feedback from members and stakeholders on the effectiveness of our gender balance initiatives will be sought and used to inform future actions and improvements.

7. Reporting and Accountability

Agriventure will report annually on our efforts and achievements in promoting gender balance and equality within our organization and among our members.
The Board of Directors will oversee the implementation of this Gender Balance Policy and hold management accountable for meeting its objectives.

8. Implementation Measures

Monitoring and Evaluation

Regularly track and assess progress towards achieving gender balance, equality, and the effectiveness of measures outlined in this policy.
Collect gender-disaggregated data on membership, leadership positions, career progression, and incidents of gender-based violence to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.

Capacity Building and Awareness-raising

Conduct training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion for all members and stakeholders.
Provide resources and guidance on best practices for promoting gender balance and preventing gender-based violence within Agriventure and the broader agrifood community.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Collaborate with like-minded organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies to amplify efforts towards gender equality and empowerment in the agrifood sector.
Engage community partners, media partners, and advisory board members in advocating for gender-responsive policies and practices.

9. Targets

Achieve gender parity in leadership positions within Agriventure by [specify target timeline].
Increase the representation of women and underrepresented genders in advisory board membership to [specify target percentage].
Ensure that at least [specify target percentage] of educational content and workshops offered by Agriventure integrate gender-sensitive perspectives and examples by [specify target timeline].
Reduce incidents of gender-based violence and sexual harassment within Agriventure and its community by [specify target percentage] annually.

10. Conclusion

By adopting this comprehensive Gender Balance Policy and implementing targeted measures and targets, Agriventure reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable community where all genders can thrive and contribute to the advancement of entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector.

Together, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture and food innovation.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this Gender Balance Policy or to report concerns, please contact:

Cluster for the Development of Start-Ups, Deep Technological Research, and Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Rural Areas – Agriventures

Email: start@agriventures.co

Facebook: Agriventure Start

National ID: 207354231

Erasmus ID: E10334832

PIC: 881950676

Reporting Mechanism:

Agriventures maintains confidential reporting channels for gender-related concerns and incidents. All reports will be handled with discretion and appropriate follow-up measures will be taken to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all members.