DEI Corporate Studies at Borçelik

"We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace"

We firmly believe that gender equality and inclusivity are not merely goals to be achieved but are essential components of our organizational culture and way of doing business. We understand that fostering a diverse and equitable environment enhances innovation and drives success. By placing diversity and equality at the center of our strategies, we aim to maximize the potential of our employees, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

The projects we implement are designed not only to ensure gender equality but also to promote this value across our operations through collaboration with all stakeholders. We actively engage in partnerships that amplify our impact, seeking to create a ripple effect that inspires others in the industry. By providing equal opportunities and embracing an inclusive leadership approach, we empower our employees and take on a pioneering role in our sector.

Gender Equality

We believe that gender equality is a universal value that every individual and institution should embrace. We want to emphasize that these values are not just a vision but are central to our way of doing business. Our gender equality strategy is shaped by our group’s “Borusan is Equal” vision, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) we have signed, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Our strategy is developed by harmoniously integrating these three important sources, focusing on two main areas: "Ensuring gender equality at Borçelik" and "Mainstreaming gender equality through stakeholder collaborations."

In this context, we shape our company culture and business processes around the values of diversity, equality, and inclusivity. Our understanding of equality and diversity, enriched by our employees, forms the foundation of our roadmap to success. We believe that diverse teams drive our organization forward in every respect, and we view inclusive leadership as a crucial factor in maximizing the potential of our teams.

At Borçelik, we are committed to making gender equality an integral part of our corporate culture and bringing this approach to life through concrete actions.

Women Empowerment

Launched in 2018, the "Women Empowerment" project aims to enhance women's access to the labor market by providing them with the necessary training and resources to strengthen their status. This initiative focuses on comprehensive vocational training to support the advancement of gender equality, contributing to our country's economic and social development.

It aims to set an example for businesses in sectors with low female employment, particularly in the steel industry, and to lead other sectors in this regard. The project continues to evolve with new phases.

This Job is About Equality

The "This Job is About Equality" project, implemented in collaboration with the Bursa Businesswomen and Managers Association (BUİKAD), the Nilüfer Organized Industrial Zone (NOSAB), and the Borçelik Technical Academy (BTA), aims to increase the female workforce in production fields. It also seeks to develop qualified female talents needed by factories in the Bursa region, especially in industries traditionally defined as 'male jobs' due to gender stereotypes.

Shaping Future Generations: Parenting for Change

In 2023, we launched the "Children Grow, the World Changes" project to promote shared parental roles. Through the Parent School and Home Child Safety Training programs, we aim to improve the parenting skills of both our female and male employees. 

We believe it is essential to define parenting roles equitably and support our employees throughout this process. To raise awareness of parenting rights, we introduced a two-week paternity leave for fathers starting in June 2021. 

Additionally, we created the "Step by Step Motherhood Package," which includes a brochure and kit detailing the steps our expectant employees need to follow during pregnancy. To support our female employees in the workplace, we implemented childcare and care support initiatives. 

We also developed the "Borusan Group Parent Guide," which provides information on leave, working hours, benefits, and training for all new parents embarking on their parenting journey. Through these efforts, we strive to support parenting roles equally, helping both women and men achieve a balance between work and family life.

Our Inclusivity Journey 

With these projects and various other initiatives, we hold a pioneering position in our sector. We have received numerous awards in recognition of our efforts, including the "Organization Supporting Women in Business Life" Award from BUİKAD, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK) for our "Empowering Women" project, the Golden Compass Gender Equality Award, and the Borusan Future Inspiration Award. Our project "This Job is Equality Job" has also been recognized with the TİSK Joint Futures Award and the Borusan Future Inspiration Award.

Furthermore, we reinforce our commitment to inclusivity and equality through our memberships and certifications in relevant fields. Our company is a member of the Global Compact, a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), and holds the ESCARUS Advanced Gender Equality Certification. Additionally, we are the first steel producer in TurTürkiye receive the ResponsibleSteel™ certification at our Gemlik production facility.

At Borçelik, we place gender equality and inclusivity at the core of our business practices and continuously strengthen our commitment in this area. With our diversity and inclusivity-focused corporate culture, we aim to create a more just and equitable workplace while maintaining our leadership in the industry. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts in this area in the future.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of TDX Consulting or the Workplace in Action® program. The content and ideas presented by the authors are their personal opinions and should not be considered the official policy or stance of TDX Consulting or the Workplace in Action® program.