The Gender Equality & Safeguarding Committee provides strategic oversight of the Empower Skilled Trades Foundation’s (ESTF) commitment to gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and the protection of all individuals who participate in or are impacted by the Foundation’s programs and operations.

The Committee works to ensure that ESTF fosters safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where every individual, regardless of gender, age, ability, ethnicity, culture, religion, or background, has equal access to opportunities and is protected from discrimination, harassment, abuse, exploitation, and violence. By embedding safeguarding and equality into governance, policies, partnerships, and program delivery, the Committee helps ensure the Foundation operates with integrity, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to human dignity.

Through its leadership, the Committee promotes a culture where equity, inclusion, and safeguarding are integral to every aspect of the Foundation’s work. It is committed to advancing equal opportunity, respecting the dignity of every individual, creating safe and supportive environments, maintaining zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, abuse, and exploitation, improving accessibility, strengthening transparency and accountability, and fostering continuous learning and improvement to ensure the highest standards of care and protection.

“When people feel safe, respected, and included, they are empowered to learn, lead, and succeed.”