Juhayna Blazes the Trail for Gender Equality in the Workplace

Juhayna, in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), is leading the way for gender equality in Egypt by developing various aspects of their company into a more comfortable and equal environment for its female employees. 

GIZ provided Juhayna with a grant that entails financial and advisory support, in recognition of their implementation of a more equal work environment. Juhayna was awarded the grant after winning the “Diversity in the Workplace” competition for its continued efforts towards achieving gender equality. Additionally, because the issue of gender equality is pivotal amongst its values as a company, Juhayna participated in a UN Women conference which discussed how both local and multinational companies are working towards creating a more accommodating and supportive environment for female employees, and observed how these efforts contribute to factors such as their growth and development. 

We were also impressed to hear that Juhayna translates these values into its HR policies. Juhayna offers 12 weeks of maternity leave, and an additional 12 weeks if needed, which has been well-received considering the high rate of return afterwards. The company also offers their female employees flexible working hours, with 30% of their management positions being held by women, and have made it a point to promote women’s leadership by hiring their first female manager in their Production Operations department. 18% of its factory workers, and over 50% of all Juhayna's departments combined are women, including the integration of women into generally male-dominated departments such as manufacturing and distribution. 

The company is not only making strides towards empowering their female employees, but is also working towards developing everyone who works there by introducing a mentorship program in cooperation with GIZ and Econowin, funded by the GIZ grant. This program was built on the basis of collaboration and solidarity, and was unique in its focus on allowing people to build each other up and support each other through mentorship. 

In many ways, Juhayna has set the benchmark for women’s empowerment as they build towards a work environment that's founded on gender equality. Here’s to hoping other companies take notice of the benefits of an equal work environment and follow suit.