Payoneer, a leading global payment platform, made history by hosting its first-ever Pride event titled “Lead Loud & Proud: Meet LGBTQ+ Members Leading the Philippine Outsourcing Industry.” The event, organized by Payoneer in partnership with KMC Solutions, aimed to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
The event featured the Philippine Financial Industry Pride (PFIP), a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. PFIP actively works towards fostering safe and inclusive work environments, regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
“Payoneer makes it easier for the world’s SMBs to grow globally, maximizing their full potential. One of our company’s values is inclusion and diversity. We believe that everyone, regardless of location, culture, size of business, SOGIE, deserves an equal opportunity to succeed,” according to Jen San Antonio, Marketing Lead for Emerging Markets, APAC of Payoneer.
During the event, PFIP representative Eugenio shared valuable insights from the organization’s LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Survey. Notably, the survey revealed that 86% of respondents reported having anti-discrimination policies in place for sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, 88% of participants confirmed the existence of structures for raising concerns and seeking redress. However, Eugenio highlighted the importance of aligning these written policies with tangible actions, emphasizing the need for companies to follow through on their commitments.
Miss Trans Global 2020, Mela Habijan, served as the event’s moderator and commended the efforts of PFIP, acknowledging their significant role in transforming the workplace landscape in the Philippines.
The event featured prominent industry leaders, including Cindy Burdette, CEO, and Co-founder of ALLCARE.io, who discussed the additional challenges that members of the LGBTQ+ community often face in their professional lives. Joining her were Neil Socorro De Guzman, Assistant Vice President, Service Delivery & Operations at KMC Solutions, and Patricia Francisco, Senior CSM Manager at Payoneer.
De Guzman emphasized the importance of creating value in the workplace, a sentiment echoed by King Santos, CEO of Jobbden, and Lennor Metier, as well as LA Garcia, Director of Sales and Marketing at The VA Hub. Both Santos and Garcia highlighted the significance of investing in personal relationships, which can ultimately translate into excellence within the professional sphere.
Monique Avila, Payoneer’s Country Manager for the Philippines & Other SEA, addressed the crucial role of allies in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Avila emphasized the collective responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Payoneer’s groundbreaking Pride event serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to championing LGBTQ+ rights and creating an inclusive workspace. By bringing together industry leaders and highlighting the importance of diversity, the event undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact on the Philippine outsourcing industry.