FRI, APRIL 17 2020-theG&BJournal- Four measures business coalitions in Africa should consider when tackling COVID-19 has been shared- with the inadequate and constrained healthcare systems, densely populated urban centers and insufficient infrastructure in mind.
Global Compact Network Nigeria, a business-led sustainability initiative of the United Nations, launched in Nigeria in 2007 during the Nigerian Economic Summit, shared the measures and said with so many stakeholders working towards the same goal of managing the crisis, businesses have the opportunity to come together in an unprecedented fashion and respond to COVID-19 with effective solutions to support those most in need.
The emphasis is on the safeguard of lives and livelihoods of the people of Nigeria as well as increasing what can be learned from this crisis.
‘’it is important that companies look beyond simple financial contributions and take an active role in ensuring that these business coalitions are doing the needful in addressing the greatest impacts of the crisis and reaching the most vulnerable.’’
Coalitions must pay special attention to offer protections and support workers in the informal economy
Global Compact Network Nigeria detailed the measures. It said, business coalitions should create makeshift social safety nets for workers, especially the women who make up the majority of the informal employment sector in Africa, by directing coalition funding to the provision of free access to basic healthcare and hygiene, food and nutrition; and personal protective equipment (PPE) to out of work informal employees and those still forced to work during this time in order to survive. Additionally, coalition members can capitalize on the skills of informal workers when repurposing business functions for use in health and emergency services.
‘’For example, companies can hire informal textile and garment workers or distributors to create and sell face masks and other PPE. Companies engaged in meal distribution programs for the poor can utilize informal food producers and vendors to distribute daily meals to those in need.’’
Recognize and Address the Many Ways Women are Disproportionately Impacted by the Crisis
It called for attention to be focused on the many ways women are disproportionately impacted by the crisis.
‘’ As women receive the brunt of the negative impacts of employee reductions during times of crisis and are terminated from employment at higher rates than men, more likely to be in unstable employment and are hired during crisis times at lower rates than men, it is important for coalition businesses to support women in their core operations by avoiding unconscious gender bias in their employment policies.’’
-Recognize that Human Rights is at the Heart of Any Successful Business Response
All companies as part of any successful and responsible business coalition should commit to and apply the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact to their actions and ensure a principles-based approach to the crisis. This means that businesses everywhere – regardless of country or size – has a responsibility to support the workers and communities they rely on to operate. For every company, whether they are signatories to the UN Global Compact or not, the Ten Principles can provide ideas and inspiration during these uncertain times of how to respond.
For business coalitions, a human rights-based approach involves recognizing the specific and unique needs of vulnerable groups based on their gender, age, location and industry. It is to ensure that the needs of the most marginalized are given appropriate attention and responding to all workers and business partners with flexibility and compassion.
-Collaborate and Communicate Openly with Community Stakeholders
No business coalition should just be for business only but rather inclusive of other stakeholders, particularly those that can ensure that the coalition is identifying and prioritizing the most vulnerable and in need of support. Coalitions should be multistakeholder platforms that bring in civil society and work with Governments. Beyond these critical partners, coalitions should look towards more innovative approaches and invite others to join that business may not normally engage with, such as faith-based organizations, refugee agencies and other groups that regularly work in areas most in need or at risk to COVID-19 such as informal settlements, refugee camps and townships.
Partnering with key community stakeholders will also ensure greater accountability for business coalitions. A responsible business coalition builds trust with the community through consistent and transparent communications and policies. Especially when mobilizing resources, it is important for business coalitions to be proactive in their response to accountability inquiries, ensuring effective management of resources and transparent communications and accounting as to how those in need are benefitting from coalition efforts.
‘’To tackle the epidemic in Nigeria, business has the opportunity to connect and jointly address the human, health and economic costs of COVID-19. A responsible business coalition offers us the potential to lay the foundation for a safer, healthier and more resilient Nigeria, setting a precedent for how we as a nation manage such emergencies in the future. If they recognize that humanity’s values and business values are one in the same, business coalitions have the human, financial and technological capital to come out stronger than before the crisis. Now is the time for companies across Nigeria to step up and show true leadership in the face of a previously unimaginable crisis.’’
Businesses in the Global Compact Network are Zenith Bank, Fidelity, Unilever, Access Bank, The Nigerian Stock Exchange, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dangote Group, Bank of Industry, Lafarge Holcim, Oando, etc., and all have taken steps to respond to the COVID19 pandemic.
By Audrey Lotechukwu
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