On May 4, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Georgia Country Office and the company Meama LLC. The Memorandum was signed by Lela Bakradze, Head of the UNFPA Georgia Country Office, and Luka Kapanadze, CEO of Meama LLC.

According to the Memorandum, the Parties agree to cooperate in the implementation of family-friendly and gender-responsive workplace policies, supporting women’s economic empowerment and their engagement in labor market, promoting the realization of their potential in the labor market and, in general, promoting responsible parenting.

In addition, within the framework of the Memorandum, Meama LLC undertakes to support the MenCare Campaign, which was initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Georgia Country Office in 2016, and which aims to increase the involvement of men as caregivers and equitable partners and fathers in the process of achieving gender equality.

Advocating for family-friendly and gender-responsive policies in both public and private sectors is one of the top priorities of the UNFPA.

We believe that women should not have to choose between family and career. By pursuing the right policies and using appropriate approaches, offering decent working conditions and parental leave for both mothers and fathers, it is possible to create a work environment that promotes a more progressive and healthy society. We appreciate it that a growing number of companies are gaining awareness of the importance of family-friendly policies”, said Lela Bakradze, Head of the UNFPA Georgia Country Office.

Working with the UNFPA on issues related to the implementation of family-friendly and gender-responsive policies is a challenge. It is important for us to ensure that employees in Meama enjoy the same rights as well as to maintain gender balance in the workplace. Within the framework of the Memorandum, we support the MenCare Campaign, which aims to increase the involvement of men as equal partners and fathers in our daily lives," said Luka Kapanadze, CEO of Meama LLC.

Meama LLC is the first private company to express a willingness to work with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to introduce and implement family-friendly policies and promote gender equality in the workplace.