Making Cents, Washington DC, USA, 2019
Context:
In today’s global economy, the importance of youth engagement in company supply chains is increasingly recognized as critical for sustainable business practices. As businesses expand globally, they encounter diverse labor markets where young people play a significant role. Companies like Making Cents International have identified that young workers represent not only a key demographic for employment but also a vital segment that can contribute to innovation and productivity in supply chains. However, engaging youth in these supply chains involves addressing challenges such as skill gaps, working conditions, and alignment with broader corporate social responsibility goals.
Objectives:
The primary objectives of this initiative by Making Cents International were:
- Youth Empowerment: To empower young workers by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive within global supply chains.
- Corporate Responsibility: To assist companies in integrating youth engagement strategies into their supply chains, aligning with broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability goals.
- Improved Supply Chain Performance: To enhance the performance and resilience of supply chains by leveraging the energy, creativity, and potential of young workers.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: To foster collaboration between businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders in creating youth-inclusive supply chains.
Solution:
Making Cents International implemented a comprehensive approach that included:
- Youth Engagement Programs: Developing tailored programs that addressed the specific needs of young workers within different sectors. These programs included vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and life skills development.
- Partnerships with Companies: Collaborating with multinational corporations to integrate youth engagement strategies into their supply chains. This involved creating customized interventions that aligned with the company’s goals and the local context of their operations.
- Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to companies to help them understand the value of youth engagement and how to effectively implement these strategies.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing systems to monitor the impact of youth engagement initiatives on both the young workers and the overall supply chain performance. This also involved collecting data to refine and improve the programs.
Results:
The initiative led to several positive outcomes:
- Enhanced Youth Employment: Young workers gained access to better job opportunities and developed skills that increased their employability within the supply chains.
- Improved Supply Chain Efficiency: Companies reported improvements in productivity and innovation, driven by the fresh perspectives and energy that young workers brought to the supply chains.
- Strengthened Corporate Image: Companies that participated in the initiative enhanced their reputation as socially responsible businesses committed to youth empowerment and sustainable practices.
- Sustainable Business Practices: The initiative contributed to the long-term sustainability of supply chains by creating a more engaged, skilled, and motivated workforce.
- Positive Social Impact: The collaboration between businesses and NGOs resulted in broader social benefits, including reduced youth unemployment and poverty in the regions where the programs were implemented.
This case study illustrates how targeted youth engagement strategies can not only empower young workers but also contribute to more sustainable and efficient global supply chains, benefiting both businesses and communities alike.
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