In the modern interconnected world, the importance of advancing gender equality cannot be overstated. Companies and public entities increasingly recognize their role in driving change and promoting inclusivity throughout their operations. One powerful approach to achieving this is through Advancing Equality: Public-Private Partnerships at Scale (PPPs). By combining resources, expertise, and influence, PPPs have the potential to significantly impact gender equality, particularly in high-risk sectors. In this blog, we will explore the vital role of Advancing Equality: Public-Private Partnerships at Scale (PPPs) in advancing gender equality in supply chains and examine the successful example of Yildiz Holding’s ‘Women Stars of Agriculture’ program implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Understanding Public-Private Partnerships for Advancing Gender Equality
Public-private partnerships refer to collaborative initiatives between governmental bodies and private sector entities to address societal challenges. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both sectors, PPPs can tackle complex issues more effectively. When it comes to advancing gender equality, PPPs offer a unique opportunity to drive change at scale by leveraging the power of procurement.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Advancing Gender Equality in Supply Chains
PPPs play a crucial role in advancing gender equality in supply chains and addressing gender-related human rights risks prevalent in high-risk sectors. By adopting a gender-responsive approach to procurement, companies and public entities can ensure that their supply chains become more inclusive, respectful, and equitable. Here’s how:
- Enhancing Awareness and Capacity: PPPs provide a platform for building awareness and capacity among organisations involved in procurement. Companies can access valuable knowledge and expertise regarding gender-related risks in supply chains by collaborating with public entities. This collaboration enables them to effectively identify, prevent, and mitigate these risks. By integrating gender considerations into their procurement practices, companies can take proactive steps to advance gender equality and create a positive social impact.
- Sharing Resources and Best Practices: PPPs facilitate the sharing of resources and best practices between the public and private sectors. Public entities can provide financial support, policy frameworks, and regulatory guidance, while private companies can contribute industry-specific knowledge, innovation, and operational expertise. Through this collaboration, organisations can develop gender-responsive procurement strategies, implement impactful initiatives, and scale up successful practices. This exchange of resources and best practices is instrumental in creating sustainable change in supply chains.
- Driving Policy and Regulatory Change: PPPs have the potential to influence policy and regulatory frameworks that govern procurement practices. By working together, the public and private sectors can advocate for gender-responsive policies and regulations that promote equality and inclusion in supply chains. This collaboration helps create an enabling environment that encourages companies to prioritise gender equality in their procurement decisions, leading to long-term systemic change.
Yildiz Holding’s “Women Stars of Agriculture”: A Successful Public-Private Partnership
A great example of a public-private partnership that demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing gender equality is Yildiz Holding’s “Women Stars of Agriculture” programme, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The initiative is set to procure 5 thousand tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from contracted women farmers until 2025, creating a value of TRY 35 million, 1.36 million euros. By doing so, the initiative aims to create equal opportunities and empower women farmers in Turkey by providing them with resources and market access. The partnership leverages the Ministry’s expertise and resources along with Yildiz Holding’s industry knowledge and market influence. Through this programme, women farmers can sell their products at fair prices and gain economic independence. By creating opportunities for women in the agricultural sector, this PPP not only promotes gender equality but also drives economic growth and social development. The success of the “Women Stars of Agriculture” initiative can be attributed to the collaborative approach of Yildiz Holding and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. By combining their expertise and resources, the public and private sectors work together to achieve sustainable impact.
Conclusion
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are a dynamic and effective approach to advancing equality on a larger scale. PPPs can drive meaningful change by harnessing the combined resources, expertise, and influence of both the public and private sectors. They enhance awareness, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing among organisations involved in procurement, enabling proactive steps to address gender-related risks in supply chains. PPPs also facilitate the exchange of resources and best practices, allowing for the implementation and scaling up of impactful initiatives. Furthermore, these partnerships have the potential to influence policy and regulatory frameworks, creating an enabling environment that prioritises gender equality in procurement practices. Yildiz Holding’s “Women Stars of Agriculture” programme, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, exemplifies the success of such partnerships. By providing resources and market access, the programme empowers women farmers, promotes economic independence, and drives social development. The collaborative nature of PPPs serves as an inspiring model for organisations seeking to promote gender equality through inclusive procurement practices.