On World Day of Social Justice, Woolworths  reaffirms the Groupâs commitment to help build a more inclusive and equal society.
An employer of over 30 000 South Africans, Woolworths recognises the essential role businesses can play in shaping society, and the implicit responsibility to contribute positively to the world.
Woolworthsâ Inclusive Justice Initiative acknowledges the existence of marginalised groups in society, and the need to eradicate systemic discrimination, embrace diversity, empower the disadvantaged, and contribute to a sense of belonging for everyone.
Gender Equality
âWe signed up to the UN Women Empowerment Principles to make ourselves vulnerable and accountable on matters of women empowerment. Woolworths is an employer of about 27 160 women and given that one in five women in South Africa is subjected to some form of Gender Based Violence and Femicide, we consider it vitally-important to take an active stance on this pervasive issue,â confirms Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths Director of Corporate Affairs
Economic Inclusion
To drive economic inclusion, Woolworths implemented itsâJust Wageâ initiative. âJust Wage is our commitment to move beyond the legislated minimum wage, and to provide our people with more than a living wage, but rather a just wage.Woolworths exceeds the newly announced South African national minimum wage by almost 50%.â continues Zinzi Mgolodela.
Food Security
As a leading food retailer known for quality, sustainable food products, Woolworths integrates food security into its ethos. Through the Living Soils Community Learning farm, a flagship regenerative farming partnership, Woolworths collaborated with Spier Wine Estate and the Sustainability Institute to tackle issues of food security, climate change, soil and biodiversity loss, poverty and unemployment, and agriculture inclusivity in South Africa. Since Living Soils inception in 2019, 70 internships have been offered, contributing to skills development and inclusive participation in the agriculture value chain.
Woolworths, through their Inclusive Justice Initiative, provides funding to a number of local NGOs working to improve food security and support livelihoods. This funding supports women, youth and small-scale farmers, surplus food redistribution, people with disabilities, community-based gardens, and growing food for Early Childhood Development centres. Â There is a strong focus on empowering people to provide for themselves and to earn an income. In 2023, these initiatives saw 948 000 tons of food harvested.
Through initiatives like Just Wage and impactful community partnerships, Woolworths is not just a retailer but a catalyst for positive change, striving to create a world where everyone can thrive and belong.
