Gender Equity at UCHU: Building a Balanced and Inclusive Future


At UCHU, gender equity isn't just something we talk about once a year— it is an important part of our workplace culture and organizational strategy.

We know from experience and extensive research that diverse teams aren't just fairer; they're also smarter, more innovative, and ultimately more successful.

For instance, studies clearly show why diversity matters. According to McKinsey & Company, companies with gender-diverse leadership are 25% more likely to achieve higher profitability ("Diversity Wins," McKinsey, 2020). Similarly, Harvard Business Review found that diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time, simply because they draw from a wider range of experiences and viewpoints ("Why Diverse Teams are Smarter," HBR, 2016).

We've seen these findings come to life at UCHU, where women currently hold 10 out of our 19 leadership roles. This balance has directly strengthened our teams, fostering innovation, improving our decision-making processes, and enhancing collaboration across all levels of the organization.

Actions Speak Louder: Initiatives and Awareness

Throughout March, we've focused on deepening our collective awareness and understanding by hosting practical sessions designed to educate and empower:

  • March 7: Workshop on Gender Appreciation

  • March 14: Session on Gender-Based Violence Awareness

  • March 21: Training on the 'Ley Violeta' (gender-equity legislation awareness)

  • March 28: Closing luncheon to reflect, discuss insights, and plan further action

These activities reflect our ongoing dedication to creating a safe, informed, and inclusive workplace.

Real Impact: Vidas Nuevas Project

We’re also proud to support Proyecto Vidas Nuevas, a meaningful initiative led by the Consejo Cantonal para la Protección de Derechos de Santo Domingo. This collaborative project offers practical support to women affected by domestic violence, preparing them for economic independence through:

  • Training workshops focused on professional and financial skills

  • Access to formal employment opportunities facilitated by agreements between local companies and the Consejo Cantonal

  • Assistance in developing structured savings plans

Our role at UCHU is supportive, contributing specifically through workshops in job skills and financial education, enabling participants to build stronger foundations for independent living. Recently, the impact of Proyecto Vidas Nuevas was recognized by the Intercooperación 2024 award, organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations, highlighting the positive outcomes of this collaborative model.

Alignment with Global Commitments

Our internal actions align directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: "Gender Equality". This reinforces our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive practices, promoting equal opportunities, and actively reducing inequalities in our organization and beyond.


Moving Forward, Together

We remain committed to continually evaluating our practices, welcoming feedback, and acting on insights that further enhance gender equity. At UCHU, we’re not aiming just to talk about equity—we strive every day to make it an integral part of how we think, work, and grow together.


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Gema Sornoza