The entire world has been suffering a huge economic and social blow due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and women can play a decisive role in the recovery. Diversity and inclusion are extremely important for business, and they bring about multiple visions and disruptive actions, allowing companies to achieve better results. This was indicated by the live broadcast 'Women and climate change', organized by Cetesb – Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo, which took place yesterday, October 21, moderated by Patrícia Iglecias, president of Cetesb.
They were also present Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS – Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development; Andrea Santos, vice-coordinator of the Transportation Engineering Program at COPPE, UFRJ and Executive Secretary of the Climate Change Panel; Cristiane Foja, executive president of the Brazilian Beverage Association – Abrabe; Patrícia Ellen, secretary of Economic Development, Science and Technology of the State of São Paulo; and Beatriz Doria, first lady of the State of São Paulo and president of the Board of the Social Fund of São Paulo.
“Women are the driving force behind the diversity chain, and this allows us to connect with a society that is undergoing disruptive transformations. The pandemic has accelerated this moment. And it also accelerates the discussion about climate, especially about the carbon market. It is necessary to put a price on an externality, as, for example, has been done in other areas: for every R$ 1 invested in basic sanitation there is a saving of R$ 4 in health. Six greenhouse gases are the basis of our form of production and consumption and Brazil is the best positioned: it has fantastic biodiversity and a clean matrix. Brazil can get ahead in global geopolitics”, stated Marina at the event.
She also explained that almost 25% of the world already has carbon prices, but she assured that our product will be more valued because it is the result of a cleaner economy: “The carbon market is our new commodity, our new pre-salt. We can be very well placed for this. We already know that we need to look to the future through sustainability and not doing more of the same. Brazil can gain enormous space because it is one of the few countries that can preserve and produce at the same time.”
Cristiane Foja, who has worked in the Brazilian industry for over 20 years and heads a predominantly male sector, alcoholic beverages, explained that women play a fundamental role in sustainability. “It is interesting to see the massive presence of women in the reverse logistics of alcoholic glass packaging. It is not an easy material to handle. But the cooperatives have 56% of women working. Wherever there is an opportunity, there are women, and they are decisive in transforming the sustainability process: women are not afraid of challenges, they fight for transformation and have an ideology, they want what is good for future generations. With this, we have already had 31 thousand tons less emissions”.
Andrea Santos, from Coppe-UFRJ, warned about the low participation of women in science and politics in Brazil: “We need to seek incentives to increase female participation in decision-making in government spheres. We need to work to reduce gender inequality.”
Patricia Ellen was asked by the moderator about the actions of the State of São Paulo for inclusive development. She pointed out the importance of affirmative actions for gender equality, because, in the absence of women in leadership positions and performing the “triple shift” as mother, wife, worker among “thousands of other tasks” will continue to be a reality.
Patricia pointed out that, in the area of economic development, we see many women entrepreneurs, but 50% of these end up being out of necessity, in an informal manner. In view of this, the State has the Empreenda Mulher Program to foster partnerships with ecosystems. The Secretary then highlighted that the State also seeks to encourage women in the areas of science and technology. She reported that an unprecedented version of CEPETEC Mulheres was held, receiving resumes from men and women in equal proportions, but only men were selected for the final selection. In view of this, she requested a review of the process and stated that there is a hard-working movement for women to advance in leadership positions and within these areas.
What is the role of the business sector?
CEBDS signed the São Paulo Business Agreement shortly after its launch, pre-COP25, in November 2019. The state initiative aims to encourage São Paulo companies to make voluntary commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the implementation of new technologies.
Marina stated that “the business sector has a very important role to play in the post-pandemic economic recovery, and ESG, economic, social and governance aspects, were not created overnight. They are nothing more than sustainability with an element of governance that makes life easier for investors. The entire world has been experiencing a downturn and, amid the pandemic, despite sectors doing well, such as agriculture, we have 10 million hungry people and perhaps we will reach 14 million and we will return to the hunger map. We cannot talk about recovery without talking about sustainability. And within sustainability, we need women in leadership.”
Marina then cited the example of the CEBDS Board of Directors, which has a 50/50 balance between men and women.
