the former Yugoslav Republic of MACEDONIA

The Economic Chamber, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and UNDP, hosted a debate on the private sector’s corporate social responsibility towards employment of the most vulnerable groups.

“There is a widespread belief that recruiting employees from the vulnerable groups, such as domestic violence victims involves more costs than benefits. This is simply not true. These women, have proved to be a valuable resource for the companies-hard working, committed and loyal”, said the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Deirdre Boyd. 

The debate’s participants concluded that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the private sector on the important role that they could play in ensuring inclusive economic growth.

Many managers said that they are willing to continue to create opportunities in their workplaces for the most vulnerable, not only because they want to help, but also because that is a decision which benefits both the company and the community.

Nearly all modern and competitive businesses have policies on Corporate Social Responsibility, showing that they care not only for profit, but also for the social and environmental implications of their activity.

For the past year, the Government and UNDP, with the financial support of the Kingdom of Netherlands, have been helping the business start-up, subsidised employment and professional skills building of women victims of domestic violence.

 
The results are impressive. Over 20 companies are already employing a number of these women, enabling them to gain financial independence, to improve their socio-economic status and quality of life.

 
It is expected that this positive trend will continue.