Two companies with core businesses in plantations submitted entries detailing efforts taken to create greater awareness of, and respect for, the rights of women working on estates – Sime Darby and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK).

The two companies share some similarities – both have histories spanning over a century and both have a sizeable number of women working in a predominantly male workforce. KLK employs 2,933 women, most of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and hence are not highly educated. As part of its general philosophy of caring, the company provides semi-detached houses with free water and electricity to all its employees. Housing benefits for employees are the same, irrespective of gender.

Women employees are also paid the same salary as men, and enjoy more benefits, especially with regard to their health and general well-being. KLK provides regular health check-ups for its women employees, including pap smears and breast examination. In addition, lactating women are exempted from certain duties such as spraying chemicals. [Read more...]