The British Embassy and UN Women welcomed representatives of
major companies, business chambers and the Guatemalan Ministry of
Labour to discuss how to advance gender equality and women’s
empowerment in the workplace and community, within the WEPs
framework.
Participants were able to share experiences on business practices
that empower women and how to enhance them. The Guatemalan
Government stressed its commitment to continue acknowledging the
fundamental role women play in the development of a more
prosperous and equal country.
UN Women representatives stressed the benefits of equality for
businesses, as it triggers economic opportunities for companies
that also derive in the country’s development. The seven WEPs
principles on which the event focused are:
- 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.
Globally, 9,000 companies have already established these
principles, while in Guatemala 48 are implementing it. UN Women
is keen to continue coaching more enterprises about the WEPs,
including British companies working in Guatemala in the areas of
life and sciences, agriculture, renewable energy, fintech, and
law, amongst others.
One of the priorities of the British Government is to improve the
lives of women and girls around the world through its Women and Girls
Strategylaunched in 2023 and in line with WEPs. The strategy
includes programmes for women that allows them to have access to
economic opportunities through business interventions, build
competitiveness of women-owned business, and educational
programmes that enables them to forge professional relationships
and expertise.
The Charge D’Affaires at the British Embassy, Paul Huggins, said:
We are glad to see UK and local companies learning more about
women empowerment through WEPs. Investing in women and supporting
women’s rights fosters more economic and social development in
communities and it is good for businesses around the world.
