Certification which ratifies the bank's progress towards more responsible banking, being internationally recognised for achieving specific standards in the promotion of gender equality and the reconciliation of work, family and personal life.
Monday, 12 July 2021.
Convinced that companies must create spaces where everyone has access to development opportunities and where respect for differences prevails, Banco Santander began working in September 2019 on the certification of the Chilean Standard 3262 on gender equality and reconciliation of work, family and personal life. After more than a year and a half, this implementation process now culminates with the "Iguala Conciliacion" Seal awarded by the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, allowing the Bank to be internationally recognised for achieving specific standards in the promotion of these issues.
To achieve this, Santander has implemented procedures, policies, records, plans, programmes and consistent and concrete actions focused on advancing in these aspects and eradicating structural and cultural gaps, an iniciative that has allowed it to become the first bank in Chile to have this important seal.
The Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Mónica Zalaquett, said that "every day there is more evidence that diversity and the inclusion of women in companies brings value to companies: it improves working environments, drives innovation and brings new approaches and insights to problem solving. Ultimately, organisations can provide more appropriate responses to a highly demanding society. Revitalising the country's economy will only be possible through the value that diversity, equity and inclusion bring. For this we need to move towards a cultural transformation that allows men and women to better reconcile their personal, family and personal lives. She added that "this is why Banco Santander's adherence to Chilean Standard 3262 and the award of the SernamEG Iguala Seal, which is a distinction for its commitment to gender equality, is so relevant and undoubtedly an example for other financial institutions".
María Eugenia de la Fuente, manager of Santander's People, Communications and Sustainability division, stated that "we have the firm intention of contributing to a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone, respecting the differences that are inherent to the world in which we live. We are convinced that by fostering diverse teams in terms of experiences, profiles, origins, sex, age and beliefs, we will be able to design and implement innovative solutions and connect better with our customers and with society.
The executive added that "this standard is a true frame of reference that guides the work of companies that, like us, are convinced that they are adequately managing these aspects, in order to ensure greater well-being for all the people who are part of Santander".
To ensure the above, the Bank commits to compliance with certain specific criteria:
The awarding of this seal is part of the Bank's daily efforts to manage its business in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and to generate value for all its stakeholders, including those who form part of Santander.
At a global level, the Group made a series of commitments to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals promoted by the United Nations, including being among the 10 best companies to work for in at least six of the countries where it operates, having at least 30% of women in management positions, establishing an equitable salary structure and achieving gender pay equity by 2025. In the case of Chile, Santander is the best company to work for among companies with more than 1,000 people, according to the Great Place to Work 2020 ranking, and has a Remuneration Policy that ensures equity among all people in the same position, safeguarding the principle of equal opportunities, which are based on skills, qualifications, suitability and responsibility.