Code of Conduct Handbook

Female Founders Initiative Global (referred to as FFIG)

We are a women economic empowerment, nonprofit organization focused on giving female business leaders access to international markets.We are a transformative community that helps women and girls move from limited power, voice, and choice at home and in the economy to having the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to compete equitably in markets.

WHO IS DEEMED A FEMALE FOUNDERS INITIATIVE GLOBAL MEMBER?

Membership Criteria and Benefits:

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 by the individual 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 following privileges:

• Badge Usage: Members are permitted to 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 will enjoy exclusive discounts and privileges at our official events, as announced by FFIG

• As valued members of FFIG, you will have full access to our FFIG App, providing you with a unique platform to showcase your services and expertise. Through the app, you will be prominently featured, allowing potential clients or collaborators to easily identify you as a preferred provider. This preferential treatment enhances your visibility and strengthens your connections within our community, facilitating opportunities for growth and collaboration. We are committed to empowering our members and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

We value our members and strive to provide them with valuable opportunities for networking, growth, and collaboration within our community of empowered women entrepreneurs.

Message from 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 realize their full potential in the global economy. Through our initiatives and programs, 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's why we're committed to providing the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to level the playing field and ensure equitable access to economic participation.

Whether you're 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's empower women to lead, innovate, and succeed on the world stage.

With warm regards,

[Rosheen Ngorima]

Founder and Residing President

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FEMALE FOUNDERS INITIATIVE GLOBAL (FFIG)

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 behaviors within the organization. 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 prioritize 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's essential for women to stand with each other and lift each other up. Let's focus on fixing each other's crowns and supporting one another as we strive for success and growth.

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, honor commitments, and avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise our integrity or the reputation of the organization.

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 endeavors.

5. Confidentiality and Privacy:

• Respect the confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information shared within the organization, including personal stories, business strategies, and proprietary data.

• Seek permission before sharing or disclosing confidential information outside of the organization.

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 organization 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 organization.

• 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 individual(s) involved.

9. Continuous Learning and Improvement:

• Commit to ongoing learning, growth, and self-improvement as entrepreneurs and members of the organization.

• 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 organization.

• 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 recognize the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritizes 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. This includes refraining from participating in or promoting initiatives that directly compete with the organization's programs 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 organization for personal gain or competitive purposes.

• Supporting Collaboration: You recognize the value of collaboration and partnership in achieving our shared goals of women empowerment. You commit to supporting initiatives and organizations that align with our mission, even if they operate in similar spaces, and 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 and endeavors. This includes refraining from engaging in 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 to take necessary steps to mitigate any adverse effects on the organization or its stakeholders.

• Post-Departure Restrictions: Upon leaving FFIG, members agree not to reach out to current employees or former employees of FFIG and current members for a period of [two years] following their departure. This includes but is not limited to soliciting employment, business opportunities, or confidential information esp. 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 emphasize 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, it is essential to understand that the organization'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 maximize the benefits of their involvement with FFIG. We remain committed to supporting each other's growth and success within our community of empowered women entrepreneurs.

13. Disciplinary Actions

It is imperative to understand that adherence to the rules and regulations of FFIG is paramount for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our organization. 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 opportunity for corrective action.

• Disciplinary Meeting: Should a member accumulate three violations, the Board reserves the right to schedule a disciplinary meeting. During this meeting, the Board will 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 in question will not be entitled to a refund of any fees paid.

We emphasize the importance of adhering to the rules and guidelines set forth by FFIG to ensure a safe, supportive, and productive environment for all members. It is our collective responsibility to uphold the values and standards of our organization and contribute positively to its success

Events Refunds 

Refund Policy and Membership Expulsion:

Please be informed that 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 unfortunate event that a member is expelled from the organization, no membership fees shall be refunded. This policy applies regardless of the timing of the expulsion, or any fees paid.

We understand the importance of transparency and clarity in our refund and membership policies. These guidelines are in place to ensure fairness and consistency for all members of our organization.

As a member it is your duty to carry yourself well in the 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.

Acknowledgment: By participating in [FFIG], I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the principles and expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct. I commit to upholding these standards and contributing to a positive and empowering environments for all members of the organization.