The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) provide a comprehensive framework for the private sector to promote gender equality and empower women, recognizing the critical role businesses play in advancing women’s economic participation. Since their launch, the WEPs have attracted a global community of over 11,000 CEOs across more than 190 countries. Legally registered companies, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and cooperatives are all eligible to join this growing movement.
BPW Canada supports the UN Women and UN Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and encourages the awareness, promotion and integration of the Women’s Empowerment Principles into all aspects of Canadian life; including small business, all levels of government and civil society.
Women’s Empowerment remains a top organizational priority and we invite all stakeholders in Canada to demonstrate their support for the WEPs and encourage business leaders to implement them to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality in Canada.
While designed as a tool for the private sector to strengthen company policies and programs to create a culture that can achieve gender equality, the Principles provide a platform for all stakeholders to advance their commitment to gender equality. Together we can create a Canada where women’s economic capacity is unleashed and where women are fully engaged in positions of leadership and strategic decision-making. In addition to being a useful guide for business, the Principles seek to inform other stakeholders, including governments, and civil society in their engagement with the private sector. See resources specific to each of the three stakeholder groups on the Canadian Coalition to Empower Women Resource page.
Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination
Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
Promote education, training and professional development for women
Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality
Dedicated to the memory of Laura Noble.