OUR APPROACH Scope Our Understanding This Policy focuses specifically on women in supply chains, as a particularly vulnerable group who have traditionally been overlooked. We believe that by addressing the challenges women face in supply chains and supporting gender equality, we can promote greater diversity overall and support safer and more inclusive supply chains. Gender equality is a state in which no one is discriminated against or disadvantaged on account of sex, gender or gender identity, and where everyone has equal access to fundamental rights. The root-causes for gender inequality are often systemic and complex. Most issues are historically rooted in patriarchal structures, a hierarchical distribution of power and are sup- ported by societal, cultural, economic, political or religious norms and circumstances. This can lead to an attitude that considers women and their work to be of lower status. We are aware of the role women play in society and business, taking into account the double burden of paid work and their unpaid care and domestic responsibilities. We also include the concept of intersectionality into our considerations and our actions. This means that the discrimination of women can intersect with other forms of discrimination, for example on behalf of race, class, sexual orienta- tion, migrant status or their status as seasonal workers, belonging to an indigenous community and physical limitations. These intersections can impact the level of vulnerability of female workers. Definitions for key terms and concepts: “ Gender refers to the roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society at a given time considers appropriate for men and women. In addition to the social attributes and opportunities associated with being male and female and the relationships between women and men and girls and boys, gender also refers to the relations between women and those between men. These attributes, opportunities and relationships are socially constructed and are learned through socialization processes. They are context/ time-specific and changeable. Gender deter- mines what is expected, allowed and valued in a woman or a man in a given context. In most societies there are differences and inequalities between women and men in responsibilities assigned, activities undertaken, access to and control over resources, as well as decision-making opportunities. Gender is part of the broader socio-cultural context, as are other important criteria for socio-cultural analysis including class, race, poverty level, ethnic group, sexual orientation, age, etc.” “ Gender equality (equality between women and men): This refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same, but that women’s and men’s rights, responsi- bilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups of women and men. Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage men as well as women. Equality between women and men is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people- centred development.” “ Gender equity: The process of being fair to men and women, boys and girls, and importantly the equality of outcomes and results. Gender equity may involve the use of temporary special measures to compensate for historical or systemic bias or discrimination. It refers to differential treatment that is fair and positively addresses a bias or disadvantage that is due to gender roles or norms or differences between the sexes. Equity ensures that women and men and girls and boys have an equal chance, not only at the starting point, but also when reaching the finishing line. It is about the fair and just treatment of both sexes that takes into account the different needs of the men and women, cultural barriers and (past) discrimination of the specific group.” “ Gender identity refers to a person’s innate, deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond to the person’s physiology or designated sex at birth. It includes both the personal sense of the body, which may involve, if freely chosen, modification of bodily appearance or function by medical, surgical, or other means, and other expressions of gender, including dress, speech, and mannerisms.” Sources, accessed 10/2021: Gender, Gender equality, gender identity: Gender Equality Glossary Gender equity: Gender Equalty - Glossary of terms and concepts ALDI Nord Group of Companies – International Policy on Gender Equality in ALDI’s Supply Chains Page 3
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