Westpac wins UN Women Empowerment Principles award
On Thursday 17 September, Westpac NZ was named a recipient of a White Camellia Award for work promoting gender equity through the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UNWEP).
UNWEP are a set of principles for businesses, offering guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. They are the result of a collaboration between UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact.
Westpac’s win was for work done in the second principle: Treat all women and men fairly at work –respect and support human rights and non-discrimination. This is a reflection of the work done in promoting women in leadership positions within the company, and ensuring the workplace is free of gender discrimination.
Women’s rights are human rights
Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue said, "Women’s rights are human rights and we congratulate Kiwi businesses who are taking responsibility and showing leadership in gender equity."
"The White Camellia Awards recognise organisations demonstrating excellence in gender equality through commitment to the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles."
“Gender equity isn’t just good for human rights, it’s good for business. Diversity provides new perspectives and drives innovation. This is not about political correctness this is about competitive edge.
The UN Women Empowerment Principles 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; and
- Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality.