Bonao, Dominican Republic – The implementation of inclusive policies that promote gender equality has increased in recent years in the Dominican labor market, driving the transformation of local industries.
This scenario is part of a reality embraced by various productive sectors, seeking to promote an inclusive work environment, and encouraged by entities such as the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Recently, the Minister of Women's Affairs, Mayra Jiménez, and the UNDP Resident Representative, Inka Mattila, visited the Bonao Distribution Center of Bepensa Dominicana, a bottling partner of the Coca-Cola Company, where they witnessed the company's gender equality policies.
At Bepensa in Bonao, women represent more than 50 percent of the workforce and perform a variety of tasks at the center, fostering a more diverse and inclusive work culture.
During her tour of the facility, Minister Jiménez observed the proactive approach to gender equality that has been consolidated through inclusive policies in the recruitment and selection processes within the Coca-Cola System, which includes the Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner in the country, Bepensa Dominicana.
The official stated: “We are pleased to see how every day more companies are implementing practices that drive progress toward true gender equality in our society. It is gratifying for us to witness the excellent practices being applied in this environment, promoting fair and equitable treatment for women and men in the workplace.”
For her part, Mattila praised the good practices and marked equality of opportunity observed in this operation, highlighting the contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 8 on decent work.
Business actions of this nature contribute significantly to improving the working conditions of Dominican women, especially in an industrial environment traditionally associated with male dominance.
Furthermore, positive steps have been taken for the Dominican Republic on its path toward an eventual migration to Industry 4.0, a new phase characterized by the adoption of advanced and interconnected digital technologies, where women play a decisive role in its construction.
Alejandro Herrera, CEO of Bepensa Dominicana, highlighted the importance of promoting more effective measures to overcome gender barriers and foster an industry that is not only more sustainable but also characterized by genuine gender equity.
In this regard, the executive emphasized that one of their main priorities is to ensure that men and women have equal opportunities to access job roles at all levels.
“We strive to promote a work environment where gender equality is not just an ideal, but a tangible reality,” she said.
Likewise, Santiago Carrasco, general manager of The Coca-Cola Company for the Dominican Republic, stated that "the economic empowerment of women is essential to fostering a just society and comprehensive development. By providing greater employment opportunities and inclusion, we strengthen their independence and purchasing power, generating a positive impact on the economic activities of every segment of society."
The prominent presence of women in key roles, such as forklift operators and warehouse managers, at the Bonao Distribution Center is a powerful example of the Coca-Cola System's vision to foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture. This space, under the exemplary leadership of Mily Linares, demonstrates the company's commitment to gender equity and the promotion of equal employment opportunities.
