A global project has been launched in the field of diversity, and specifically in that of non-discrimination and equal opportunities, with women at the forefront. BBVA aims to eliminate all impediments to the professional development of women in the Group.
The two main focuses of action in which work is being done to ensure gender equality are: the professional development of women and maternity, by implementing measures to improve the balance between maternity and a professional career.
The “genera!” tool is being tested as part of this project. This is a social network for the debate of opinions on a variety of subjects that must later be translated into specific action plans. The initiative is organized by a strategic committee with high-level representation, which is assisted by an operational committee that deals with greater detail and a managing body that acts to promote and organize the contributions.
The major progress made in this area in Spain and Argentina deserves particular mention. In Spain, BBVA signed the Equal Treatment and Opportunities Plan, which updates and develops the Equality Agreement signed in October 2005. The aim of the Equality Plan is to boost the development of real and effective equality between women and men. Among the items included in the plan are: content related to equal opportunities and the balance between work, personal and family life; a chapter devoted to protection during pregnancy, maternity and paternity; a protocol for action established for the prevention of sexual harassment; and further development of the legal measures on gender violence. Also included are the commitment to draw up a protocol for information and awareness-raising on the subject of disability and the use of non-discriminatory language in all company communications, as well as in public acts, promotion and advertising. At the same time, a joint equality committee has been created with trade-union representation to ensure the monitoring of the Equality Plan. There was a broad consensus in the signing of this agreement, with 97.56% of the trade-union representation in the Bank in favor.
Also in 2010, BBVA Banco Francés obtained the MEGA 2009 certification. This is a pilot project in Argentina that aims to reduce gender inequality. This initiative has been promoted by the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI) and has the support and technical assistance of the World Bank.
On questions of training related to CR, an online training model called Sensibilización en Diversidad e Igualdad (Awareness in Diversity and Equality) has been prepared. As well as this, the Responsabilidad y Reputación Corporativas (Corporate Responsibility and Reputation) course has been launched and is available via the e-campus tool for all Group employees.
Finally, the Group gives employees who show an interest in participating in community projects the chance to join in initiatives where their technical knowledge and personal skills can be particularly valuable. The Group has a Global Corporate Volunteer Plan. In 2010, 5,251 BBVA Group employee volunteer activities were carried out. In addition, 12,244 employees have contributed €4,969,347 between them to social projects.