MTN Achieves Milestones in Workplace Equality, Family-friendly Policies

Emma Okonji

MTN Nigeria said it has achieved remarkable milestone in promoting workplace equality through the implementation of its family-friendly policies.

The company was recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as its leadership in fostering a supportive environment for working parents.

Being the first telecommunications company in Africa to be awarded the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) MOVE certification, MTN Nigeria joined a group of over 250 organisations such as the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation, Deloitte Switzerland AG, UNICEF, amongst others spanning 57 countries and 27 sectors.

The certification is a globally recognised standard for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), which reflects MTN’s commitment to identifying and addressing gender disparities through proactive approaches to bridging gender gaps and its overall dedication to fostering a more inclusive work environment.

Earlier in the month, the technology company was also recognised for its exemplary leadership in implementing and driving family-friendly policies within the workplace. The company’s commitment to supporting working parents was acknowledged at the NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) event, held in affiliation with Alive & Thrive.

The event marked the Private Sector Commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week & Advocacy, with the theme ‘Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents’.

MTN’s family-friendly policies, such as the Creche, Hybrid Work Module, Flexible Work Time, 6-month Paid Maternity Leave, Adoption and Surrogacy Support, Miscarriage and paternity Leave, and Nondiscrimination in the recruitment of pregnant female employees, amongst others were highlighted at the event.

Speaking about the recognition, the Chief Human Resources Officer at MTN Nigeria, Esther Akinnukawe, said: “These recognitions underscore our dedication to fostering a supportive work environment. We are proud to have received the EDGE MOVE certification as the pioneer technology telecommunications company in Africa and the second in Sub-Saharan Africa to attain this. Our recognition by NNEW acknowledges our ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where every employee can excel and succeed.”