Code of Conduct Handbook

Who is deemed a Female Founders Initiative Global member?

A member of FFIG is defined as a business owner or fully employed senior executive who has completed the following steps:

• Application Process: the individual has successfully completed our application process to become a member of FFIG.
• Documentation Submission: all necessary documentation has been submitted as per our membership requirements.
• Membership Fees: the individual has paid their membership fees in full as specified by FFIG.
• Induction and Understanding: the individual has participated in the induction process and fully understands the rules and regulations of FFIG.
• Code of Ethics Acknowledgement: the individual has signed an acknowledgement of our code of ethics, demonstrating their commitment to our values and standards.

Once these criteria are fulfilled, the individual is considered a member of FFIG and is entitled to the privileges set out below.

Membership privileges

• Badge Usage: members may display our official badge on their personal and corporate websites, branding materials and email signatures.
• LinkedIn Membership Status: members may identify themselves as a member of FFIG on their LinkedIn profiles.
• Event Discounts and Privileges: members enjoy exclusive discounts and privileges at our official events, as announced by FFIG.

As valued members of FFIG, you have full access to our FFIG App, providing a unique platform to showcase your services and expertise. Through the app you are prominently featured, allowing potential clients or collaborators to easily identify you as a preferred provider. This enhances your visibility and strengthens your connections within our community, facilitating opportunities for growth and collaboration. We value our members and strive to provide valuable opportunities for networking, growth and collaboration within our community of empowered women entrepreneurs.

Message from the Founder and Residing President

As the Founder and Residing President of the Female Founders Initiative Global, it is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to our transformative community.

At FFIG, we are on a mission to empower women and girls across the world to realise their full potential in the global economy. Through our initiatives and programmes, we aim to break down barriers and create pathways for female business leaders to thrive in international markets.

We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of her background or circumstances. That is why we are committed to providing the skills, resources and opportunities needed to level the playing field and ensure equitable access to economic participation.

Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, FFIG is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can create a world where women have the power, voice and choice to shape their own destinies and make a meaningful impact in the global marketplace.

I invite you to join us in this important work and become part of our growing community of changemakers. Together, let us empower women to lead, innovate and succeed on the world stage.

With warm regards,

Rosheen Ngorima — Founder and Residing President

Rules of ethics for members

As members of FFIG we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where women entrepreneurs can thrive and succeed. Our Code of Conduct outlines the principles, values and expectations that guide our interactions and behaviours within the organisation. By upholding these standards, we contribute to a positive and empowering environment for all members.

1. Respect and dignity

• Treat all members with respect, dignity and kindness, regardless of differences in background, religion, experience or perspective.
• Listen actively, value diverse viewpoints, and engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration.

At FFIG, we prioritise creating a supportive and constructive environment for all members. To uphold this commitment, we kindly ask that you refrain from engaging in drama, small talk or gossip within our community. Our focus is on creating wealth, not enemies, and we believe in fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration. In this journey, it is essential for women to stand with each other and lift each other up.

2. Inclusivity and diversity

• Embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion and disability.
• Foster an inclusive culture that celebrates and empowers women from all backgrounds and walks of life.

3. Professionalism and integrity

• Conduct ourselves with professionalism, honesty and integrity in all interactions and communications.
• Uphold ethical standards, honour commitments, and avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise our integrity or the reputation of the organisation.

4. Support and empowerment

• Support and uplift fellow members through mentorship, encouragement and collaboration.
• Share resources, insights and opportunities to help each other succeed in our entrepreneurial endeavours.

5. Confidentiality and privacy

• Respect the confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information shared within the organisation, including personal stories, business strategies and proprietary data.
• Seek permission before sharing or disclosing confidential information outside of the organisation.

6. Zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination

• Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination or any form of misconduct based on protected characteristics.
• Report any incidents of harassment or discrimination to the appropriate authorities within the organisation for prompt and appropriate action.

7. Compliance with laws and regulations

• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and policies governing our activities as entrepreneurs and members of the organisation.
• Seek guidance from legal experts or advisors when unsure about legal obligations or responsibilities.

8. Accountability and feedback

• Hold ourselves and each other accountable for upholding the principles and values outlined in this Code of Conduct.
• Provide constructive feedback and address concerns respectfully and directly with the individuals involved.

9. Continuous learning and improvement

• Commit to ongoing learning, growth and self-improvement as entrepreneurs and members of the organisation.
• Embrace feedback, seek opportunities for professional development, and contribute to the collective learning of the community.

10. Compliance and enforcement

• Members who violate this Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to warning, suspension or expulsion from the organisation.
• Decisions regarding compliance and enforcement will be made by the leadership team in accordance with established procedures and principles of fairness and due process.

11. Non-compete

We recognise the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritises the collective advancement of women. To uphold this principle and maintain trust within our community, you must commit to the following:

• Avoiding Conflict of Interest: a pledge to avoid engaging in activities or partnerships that create conflicts of interest with the mission and goals of FFIG, including refraining from participating in or promoting initiatives that directly compete with the organisation's programmes or services.
• Respecting Intellectual Property: acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of FFIG and its affiliates. You agree not to use or disclose proprietary information, trade secrets or confidential resources obtained through your involvement with the organisation for personal gain or competitive purposes.
• Supporting Collaboration: you recognise the value of collaboration and partnership in achieving our shared goals of women empowerment, and commit to seeking opportunities for collaboration rather than competition.
• Maintaining Professional Integrity: you uphold the highest standards of professional integrity and ethical conduct in all your interactions, refraining from deceptive or unethical practices that could harm the reputation or credibility of FFIG or its members.
• Disclosure of Conflicts: in the event of a potential conflict of interest, you agree to promptly disclose the nature of the conflict to the appropriate authorities within FFIG and take necessary steps to mitigate any adverse effects.
• Post-Departure Restrictions: upon leaving FFIG, members agree not to reach out to current or former employees of FFIG and current members for a period of two years following their departure. This includes soliciting employment, business opportunities or confidential information, especially in direct competition with or to spite FFIG.

By adhering to these principles, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and integrity within FFIG and contribute to the collective success and impact of our efforts in women empowerment.

12. Networking and events

We would like to emphasise that the responsibility for soliciting business collaborations and deals rests solely with individual members and is not the responsibility of the leadership of FFIG. While we have created a supportive atmosphere for networking with women from diverse backgrounds, it is important for all members to manage their expectations accordingly.

We encourage members to make the most of the opportunities provided, especially through attending events and engaging with others. Networking with fellow members can offer valuable insights and learning experiences. However, the organisation's leadership does not guarantee or facilitate specific business collaborations or deals.

By managing expectations and proactively seeking out opportunities for collaboration and learning, members can maximise the benefits of their involvement with FFIG.

13. Disciplinary actions

Adherence to the rules and regulations of FFIG is paramount for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our organisation. In the event of any breach of these rules, members should be aware of the following consequences:

• Formal Written Warnings: upon any rule violation, members may receive up to two formal written warnings from the Board of FFIG. These warnings serve as a reminder and an opportunity for corrective action.
• Disciplinary Meeting: should a member accumulate three violations, the Board reserves the right to schedule a disciplinary meeting to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Potential Expulsion: depending on the severity and frequency of the violations, expulsion from FFIG may be deemed necessary. In such cases the member will not be entitled to a refund of any fees paid.

We emphasise the importance of adhering to the rules and guidelines set forth by FFIG to ensure a safe, supportive and productive environment for all members.

Events refunds

Our refund policy is contingent upon the nature of the event and certain administrative fees. Should you request a refund for any event, please note the following:

• Admin Fees Deduction: depending on the nature of the event, administrative fees shall be deducted from the actual paid fee before processing the refund. For events with fees paid of $200 and below, the minimum standard administrative fee will be applied and no refund will be processed.
• Membership Expulsion: in the event that a member is expelled from the organisation, no membership fees shall be refunded. This policy applies regardless of the timing of the expulsion or any fees paid.

As a member it is your duty to carry yourself well in public, as you will be representing a legion of women and their leaders. May your actions show the correct business etiquette and decorum as you go about your business.