IFC Supports Rhodes PNG in Gender Equality Milestone

Prefabricated building and engineering company, Rhodes PNG Ltd. is the first construction and engineering company in the world to be recertified for a third time with EDGE (Equity, Diversity and Gender Equality), the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace.

With technical assistance and advice from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, Rhodes has maintained the EDGE standards through its actions and measurable impact on organizational culture, including an increase in the representation of women in management and non-traditional roles; more inclusive recruitment, promotion, and training opportunities; and positive employee sentiment.

"The construction industry has traditionally been challenging for women to gain a foothold in, but Rhodes PNG is committed to addressing this by creating equitable and inclusive workplaces that encourage inclusion and advancement,” said Kulu Velena, Director, Rhodes PNG. “This certification reflects our journey towards providing better opportunities for both women and men in trades, and we’re proud to receive it.”

Rhodes PNG is currently the only construction and engineering firm globally to be awarded the EDGE Certification. The company’s certification achievement started in 2019 and was later recognized by EDGE as maintaining this important standard in 2023 following the establishment of a school and childcare facility in Tuhava. Now fully operational, the Tuhava International Primary School educates the children of Rhodes employees, alongside children from local businesses and the community.

“We hope other companies in PNG will mirror Rhodes’ resolve to improve women’s representation in leadership and non-traditional roles,” said Khwima Nthara, World Bank Group Country Manager for Papua New Guinea. “A focus on equitable and effective policies can bring business benefits in areas including talent acquisition and retention, lowering absenteeism and staff turnover, boosting productivity, increasing employee satisfaction, and conferring status as an employer of choice.”

Rhodes is a participant in IFC’s Meri Save Trades ("Women Know Trades") program, supporting Papua New Guinean women to enter and excel in non-traditional roles and sectors where they have been historically underrepresented and addressing barriers to women’s recruitment, promotion, and retention. The Australian and New Zealand Governments support this initiative, which directly strengthens women’s equal participation in Papua New Guinea.

“We congratulate Rhodes on its groundbreaking achievement,” said c. “Helping women access more and better jobs will increase bzusiness profitability and drive economic growth in Papua New Guinea. This milestone is an important step in implementing our commitment to promote gender equality in companies. Rhodes PNG ltd. deserves to be recognised for its commitment to creating a workplace that will enhance and promote the recruitment and retention of women employees.”