Department pledges support for GESI

THE Secretary of the Department of Petroleum and Energy has commended the government for its commitment to gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) policies.
He emphasised that the department will continue its unwavering support for GESI initiatives.
Secretary David Manau extended his congratulations to the 92 members of his staff who successfully completed four batches of GESI training, comprising 54 males and 38 females.
He highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to promote GESI through workshops and training sessions.
Manau expressed his department’s dedication to furthering the cause of GESI, stating: “Moving forward, my department will support GESI. The four-batch training has provided my staff with valuable insights into GESI principles.”
He also noted that approximately 95% of the staff, from managers to janitors, have completed their GESI training.
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Personnel Management for Human Resources and Advisory Services, Constance Baisi, lauded the efforts of the staff, particularly the 64 males who participated in the training.
She emphasised the importance of integrating GESI principles and values into government systems, processes, and policies as a fundamental objective of the government’s public services GESI policy.
“It is essential for government departments to ensure that GESI principles and values are seamlessly incorporated into our business operations, government systems, processes, and policies. I commend GESI for their diligent work in achieving this integration,” she said.
The GESI Officer, Grace Mainde, outlined the department’s vision of establishing an office environment free from discrimination and sexual violence, a concept emphasised during the training sessions.
“The training has empowered our officers with a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities as human beings while working within the department,” she explained.
Mainde also revealed that the department has an overarching policy framework already implemented by the Department of Personnel Management. Looking ahead, the department plans to implement additional workplace policies addressing HIV/AIDS, internal GESI policies, and a Health and Wellbeing policy.