WEPs: Principles into Practice

  • Overview

    Co-organized by the Global Compact Network India and the UN Global Compact, this event will bring together inspiring leaders from business, government and civil society and academia for a unique exchange on the essential role that business can and must play to realize gender equality and achieve sustainable development. Guided by the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), participants will reflect on the progress made in India and establish a future action agenda for gender equality, strengthening contributions from all stakeholders including the private sector.  

    Programme

    Morning Sessions

    HIGH LEVEL PANEL: LEADING THE WAY- THE IMPORTANCE OF TOP LEVEL LEADERSHIP TO ADVANCE GENDER EQUALITY
    In this session, leaders will set the context for why it is important to have top level support to advance women’s empowerment and discuss their actions to achieve gender equality in their respective companies/organizations and spheres of influence.

    MALE CHAMPIONS: ENGAGING MEN IN CHANGING SYSTEMS OF INEQUALITY
    For far too long gender equality and women’s empowerment have been viewed as a “women’s issue.” This session will highlight male champions who have taken the pledge to speak out against gender inequality and help move the needle forward through concrete action.

    Afternoon Sessions

    WORKPLACE: CREATING LEADERSHIP AND WORKPLACE MODELS THAT PRIORITIZE INCLUSION
    Recognizing the correlation between having a diverse workforce, especially at top management levels, with business and economic growth, India recently passed a law which mandates all company boards to have at least woman director. This is an important step to remove barriers that continue to restrict women’s full participation at all levels of the workforce. This session will address the talent pipeline issue by highlighting how companies can create leadership and workplace models that prioritize inclusion and support women and men in their family responsibilities and demonstrate the role of transparency to achieve progress.

    MARKETPLACE: GENDER EQUALITY INNOVATION THAT CHANGES MARKET SYSTEMS
    The launch of the SDGs provides tremendous opportunity for the private sector to rethink business models and develop innovative products and market systems that are equal and inclusive. This session will highlight companies that are already taking steps to develop products, services and systems that address gender inequalities or meet the specific needs of women as clients.

    COMMUNITY: INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY TO STRENGTHEN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
    Beyond a company’s workplace and marketplace, there is a strong business case to build and invest in long-term community relationships. This session will explore how companies can support women and girls in the communities in which they operate to further advance social development and business goals.