Free to Be Me Roundtable in Manila

 Free to Be Me Program:  Socio-Economic Roundtable, Manila

For a more just, fair, dignified and prosperous society, everyone should have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities. Unfortunately, communities part of the LGBTQIA+ can face discrimination and stigma and may be the targets of social exclusion, sometimes, even in the workplace. In our workplaces, creating an environment where everyone can be themselves is a priority for modern businesses. People that feel included in society and at work are more productive, are healthier and can make a greater contribution to socio-economic progress.

Our forthcoming round table, “Building a more Inclusive Socio-Economic Environment for LGBTQIA+ in the Philippines”, aims to bring together civil society and business representatives to raise awareness, to start conversations and to build a commitment to future dialogue especially in the socio-economic development space. This round table event is focused on creating and sustaining connection and collaboration between civil society, business and diplomatic sectors for the benefit of underrepresented communities across the region. Working together, these organisations can shape the narrative around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with confidence and with purpose.

This round table is being organised by Workplace Pride in conjunction with HIVOS whose mission is to build movements for just, inclusive and life-sustaining societies. The event will be hosted by IBM Philippines. Participants to this invitation-only event will include key decision-makers from civil society organisations, from local and multinational businesses in the Philippines, as well as policy makers, influencers and academics. We have a great line-up of speakers and we intend to maximise audience participation.