Anti-Discrimination Policy

1. Overview & Scope

Africa2World Foundation ("the Foundation") is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, board members, partners, and anyone interacting with the Foundation. It covers all aspects of employment and engagement, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and termination.

2. Discrimination

The Foundation strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Discrimination occurs when an individual or group is treated less favorably than others based on these protected characteristics.

3. Harassment

Harassment is a form of discrimination that violates this policy. It is unwelcome conduct that is based on the protected characteristics listed above. Harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.

4. Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a specific type of harassment that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, unwanted touching, sexual jokes or comments, and displaying sexually explicit material.

5. Affirmative Action

The Foundation is committed to affirmative action principles to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of its operations. We actively seek to recruit and advance qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to reflect the communities we serve.

6. Reporting

Any individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment, or who witnesses such conduct, is encouraged to report it immediately. Reports can be made to a supervisor, the Human Resources department (if applicable), or directly to the Board of Directors.

Contact Information:
Africa2World Foundation
157 Church St, New Haven
CT 06510-2100 United States
Email: contact@atowfnd.org
Phone: +1 (203) 701-9869

All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, impartially, and confidentially to the extent possible.

7. No Retaliation

The Foundation strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and will result in disciplinary action.

8. Disciplinary Measures

Any individual found to have engaged in conduct in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or relationship with the Foundation.

9. Training

The Foundation will provide periodic training to employees and key stakeholders regarding this policy, the prevention of discrimination and harassment, and reporting procedures.

10. Remedies

If an investigation determines that discrimination or harassment has occurred, the Foundation will take appropriate remedial action to stop the conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on the victim and the community.

11. Policy Implementation

The Board of Directors is responsible for the implementation and oversight of this policy. This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.