BLP’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Approach

Business Link Pacific (BLP) recognizes the critical role that Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) plays within all spheres and contexts when working with SMEs in the Pacific. 

GESI is a concept that addresses unequal access to livelihood assets and services for all members of a community, including women, youth, people with disabilities and other excluded groups. As such, our aim is to build improved access to essential business advisory services for women, youth and other disadvantaged groups as business owners, and help to improve the inclusive approach that businesses take in their operations.

BLP takes a thoughtful approach to GESI integration by mainstreaming GESI throughout key spheres of influence such that positive outcomes permeate the program and beyond.

Firstly, we work closely with staff and key partners to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead in integrating GESI throughout their activities and in all their interactions relating to the program.

Secondly, BLP has ensured that all our services, including the Business Health Check and Business Continuity Planner tools, the Competency Assessment Framework, as well as our Subsidy Scheme consider ways in which gender equality and social inclusion can be achieved and promoted, so that more women, youth, and other marginalized groups benefit.

Finally, BLP is dedicated to reaching greater numbers of SMEs that are owned by women, youth and other marginalized groups by raising awareness about the opportunities that exist in supporting these types of businesses and then linking them to relevant business advisory services and helping them access subsidies to afford these services.