BIOAZUL promotes gender equality in the workplace with a workshop aimed at Andalusian SMEs

Within the framework of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), BIOAZUL delivered a practical workshop on gender equality in the workplace, aimed at small and medium-sized Andalusian enterprises interested in incorporating this dimension into their structures and projects. The workshop was held in person on May 27 and 29 in the cities of Málaga and Seville, respectively, in collaboration with the Málaga Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (CEA).

Objective: More equal, sustainable, competitive, and inclusive companies

Integrating a gender perspective into business management is not only a matter of social justice, but it has also become a key requirement for accessing public funding programs such as Horizon Europe or the Spanish National R&D&I Program. At BIOAZUL, our goal was to provide companies with tools and knowledge to take their first steps on this path, while also sharing our own experience as an SME committed to equality.

An action-oriented agenda

The workshop covered the following topics:

• What is the gender perspective and why does it matter in business?

• Main gender inequalities in the workplace

• Applicable regulations (equality plans, protocols, audits…)

• Practical tools to integrate equality

• Initial diagnosis using UN Women’s WEPs tool

• Group idea lab to share challenges and solutions

One of the most valued parts of the workshop was the presentation of BIOAZUL’s practical case, where we shared our best practices in gender equality, key lessons learned, and how we integrate a gender perspective both in our internal policies and in the international R&D&I cooperation projects in which we participate.

Gender-sensitive communication: a key to change

The final part of the workshop focused on how communication can be a transformative tool to promote gender equality both inside and outside organizations. Recommendations were offered to improve gender representation in digital channels, use inclusive language, and design campaigns and internal actions that foster a more equitable workplace culture.

Impressions and next steps

Participation in both workshops was very positive. Despite the challenges many companies face due to their size or their presence in male-dominated sectors such as engineering and ICT, the willingness to move forward was clear. As trainers, we at BIOAZUL received highly encouraging feedback from participants, who appreciated not only the content but also our deep commitment to the issue.

We will continue to offer spaces for reflection, learning, and action in support of equality. Because a more equal company is also a more innovative, resilient, and human company.