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Committing to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) was considered an easy decision for the RSM Costa Rica team. Thomas Acosta Alvarado, Managing Partner, said “I first became aware of the principles during ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ at the Costa Rica stock exchange, as part of International Women’s Day. I knew I wanted to do something related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues; something that would have an impact. The UN Women’s Empowerment Principles felt like a natural fit."
Supporting women re-entering the workplace
RSM Costa Rica placed a special emphasis on supporting women who left the workforce and were seeking to reenter. An exit like this can be detrimental to a woman’s career advancement in the long run. Naturally, the staff were excited to champion the project. They felt uniquely suited to support and train women because the Firm is filled with CPAs, tax experts, and auditors who could volunteer time, give training, and offer coaching to help women build skills to get back to work. Additionally, RSM has an entire network of companies that are clients and potential future employers of these women.
Eliminating discrimination in the recruiting process
Signing the WEPs changed the way RSM Costa Rica handled the recruitment process. To help eliminate any possibility of bias, they no longer include the names of people when reviewing a resume and finalists are chosen without knowing their gender. “We also analyse our salaries to ensure we don’t have a skew, and we actively try to promote women into leadership roles”, Thomas said. “We also have a ‘Bring your child to work’ programme, so if you need to bring your child to the office, you are welcome to do so, and we have access to childcare on the floor right below us for children 0-5 years of age”.
Allies who support women
Working with allies has allowed RSM Costa Rica to maximise resources. They partnered with Vital Voices, a global women’s organisation that grows and fosters women’s leadership. Through Vital Voices, RSM provides guidance to women entrepreneurs. The International Development Bank provided training for RSM staff, enabling them to coach women through their mentorship programme. Hope Partners, a US-based non-government organisation (NGO), has a childcare programme combined with coaching and mentorship for mothers from low-income families. RSM Costa Rica works through Hope Partners to support women in learning basic skills and mentor them in their own small business ventures, giving them space to support and strengthen their families.
“Our Firm has always naturally aligned with the principle of empowerment and equitable employment for each person. We are delighted to champion these UN principles.”
Kerry Smith, Managing Partner, RSM Eswatini.
“At RSM UK, we are committed to being a fully inclusive workplace. As a business, we know it is our responsibility to support all our people to build rewarding, fulfilling careers. The seven UN Women’s Empowerment Principles align closely with our own gender equality aims.” Robert Donaldson, Managing Partner, RSM UK. “We are proud to be part of this movement to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.”
John Glennon, Managing Partner, RSM Ireland.
"For RSM Mozambique, joining the UN Women’s Empowerment Community to implement the WEPs is both an affirmation and a celebration of our values.”
Paulo Lopes, Managing Partner, RSM Mozambique.
“Taking actions to improve in gender equality mostly in women’s rights and opportunities is very important in Uruguay, because it benefits everyone.”
Gabriella Montaldo, Managing Partner, RSM Uruguay.
