Nov. 15, 2024
Sumitomo Corporation
Awarded Highest Gold Rating in PRIDE Index 2024 for LGBTQ+-Related Initiatives for the Second Consecutive Year
On November 14, 2024, Sumitomo Corporation received the highest Gold rating in the PRIDE Index 2024. This index was developed by the Japanese voluntary association “work with Pride” to evaluate workplace initiatives related to LGBTQ+(*1). This marks the second consecutive year since 2023 that Sumitomo Corporation has received this top honor.
The Sumitomo Corporation Group recognizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (“DE&I”) as “the core enabler for value creation, innovation and competitiveness” and aims to provide a “Great Place to Work” where individuals can achieve their full potential and continue creating new value regardless of their nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and any other attributes or conventional values.
Sumitomo Corporation received the Gold rating for the second consecutive year in recognition of its comprehensive LGBTQ+-related measures that are being continuously implemented as part of its initiatives to promote DE&I.
The major LGBTQ+-related initiatives implemented by Sumitomo Corporation to date are as the following.
| Evaluation indicators that comprise the PRIDE Index | Initiatives |
|---|---|
| 1．Policy： Declaration of actions | ・Formulation of the Global HR Management Policy ・Commitment as part of our Material Issues(*2) “Respect human rights”, Develop talent and promote DE&I” |
| 2．Representation： Community for LGBTQ+ people | ・Clarification of the consultation desk (SCG Counselling Center as well as consultation desk for harassment and support systems) ・Distribution of tools for employees to be an ”Ally”(*3) |
| 3．Inspiration： Awareness-raising activities | ・In-house seminars and e-learning for all employees ・Regular dispatch of related information via in-house communication ・Organization of annual “Diversity weeks” to hold DE&I-related programs intensively during the period, including organizing a panel discussion event by inviting LGBTQ+ people |
| 4．Development： Personnel systems and programs | ・Application of benefit programs to same-sex partners ・Supporting employees undergoing gender reassignment surgery and hormone treatment to continue to work ・Making the restrooms on each floor available for everyone regardless of gender to use as “universal restrooms” ・Allowing the use of a name other than legal name in business ・Formulation of guidelines for transgender/nonbinary people ・Formulation of guidelines on so-called SOGI harassment(*4) |
| 5．Engagement/Empowerment: Social contribution and public relations | ・Participation in Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 ・Participation in a joint briefing session on employment (DIVERSITY CAREER FORUM held by the NPO “ReBit”) ・Provision of information about LGBTQ+-related external events ・Co-organization of events on diversity and inclusive society in which people can participate both from within and outside the company |
- LGBTQ+: L=Lesbian, G=Gay, B= Bisexual, T=Transgender, Q=Questioning, Queer
- Material Issues: Medium- to long- term commitment that goes one step further toward addressing key social challenges that the Sumitomo Corporation Group must undertake.
- Ally：A person who empathizes with and supports LGBTQ+ people. Anyone, including LGBTQ+ people themselves, can be an LGBTQ+ ally.
- SOGI harassment：Harassment and discriminative speech and behaviors related to people’s sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
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