Women’s participation in all aspects of economic sectors
THE women’s empowerment principles (WEPs) are built on the knowledge that when more women work, economies grow and getting more women into the workforce at all levels is better for the economy, says Sandra Bernklau, UN Women Fiji MCO representative.
Ms Bernklau said UN Women Fiji’s Multi-country office was committed to working together to drive the WEPs agenda to empower women to participate fully in all aspects of economic life throughout all economic sectors — more specifically the private sector.
A statement from UN Women said a half-day seminar on advancing women’s empowerment principles was held in Suva, Fiji with representatives from 22 private sector businesses with the aim to discuss and determine how WEPs are being implemented in Fiji and across the Pacific and to work with businesses on how to progress WEPs in their companies.
It said at the inaugural event, four companies — ANZ Fiji, KPMG, Hot Bread Kitchen and Party & Events Fiji committed to the principles which provide guidance for businesses on how to progress gender equality in the workplace, through putting in place systems and structures that ensure women can participate equally.
According to the UN Women more than 1800 business leaders around the world have signed up to the principles.
It said ANZ Pacific had made significant progress in integrating the WEPs into the operations of the company and policies, including flexible work arrangements, family care responsibilities, training and awareness on how to recognise domestic violence cases, equal opportunity, bullying and harassment policy.
“As a large employer here in Fiji, we know that we have an important role to play in social issues and ensuring our actions help people, of all abilities, heritage and gender get ahead,” said Tessa Price, ANZ Regional executive – Pacific.
“We know we can only achieve our goal of a diverse and inclusive workforce if we achieve gender equality. We are taking this seriously and making changes because it is the right thing to do.”
According to the statement PIPSO, a regional organisation which facilitates and builds private sector business, trade and competitiveness reiterated its support for the initiative.
“One of our objectives is to strengthen private sector involvement in national and regional policy development and support its implementation, of which one goal is to advance gender equality in the workplace,” said Alisi Tuqa, PIPSO chief executive officer.
The WEPs comprise seven guiding principles which the private sector and employers can commit to in order to increase women's participation in business.
The WEP, a partnership initiative of UN Women and UN Global Compact (UNGC) provide guidance to help the private sector focus on key elements integral to promoting gender equality in the workplace, marketplace and community.
The seminar was hosted by the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO) in partnership with the Pacific Islands PIPSO and ANZ Pacific.