In support of UN Women and the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) In support of UN Women and
the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

Achieving full gender equality, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), could take close to 300 years if the current rate of progress continues, according to the Gender Snapshot 2022 published by UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

The study reveals how gender disparities are worsening in the face of “cascading” global crises – such as the COVID-19 pandemic, violent conflict, and climate change – coupled with the backlash against women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.

As a result, countries will not meet SDG5 by the 2030 deadline. At WJI 2030 we are committed to reverse this trend. Cooperation, partnerships and investments are essential to put the world back on track. WJI 2030 believes that WEPs can act as a fundamental stepping stone for corporate delivery on gender equality dimensions of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We are proud to have joined hands with UN Women WEPs team to action and lead the way forward.

What are the 7 principles of the WEPs?

Principle 01

HIGH LEVEL CORPORATE LEADERSHIP

Principle 02

TREAT ALL WOMEN AND MEN FAIRLY AT WORK WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION

Principle 03

EMPLOYEE HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND SAFETY

Principle 04

EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Principle 05

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT, SUPPLY CHAIN AND MARKETING PRACTICES

Principle 06

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND ADVOCACY

Principle 07

MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING

The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, provide a set of 7 Principles that offer guidance to all businesses, on how to promote gender equality in the workplace, marketplace and community.

The WEPs are informed by international labour and human rights standards and grounded in the recognition that businesses have a stake in, and a responsibility for, gender equality and women’s empowerment.

One of the fundamental principles of engagement for the WJI 2030 is C-Suite Driven commitment. By joining the WEPs community, the CEO signals commitment to this agenda at the highest levels of the company and to work collaboratively in multistakeholder networks to foster business practices that empower women.

WJI 2030 Encourages All Members, Partners And Key Stakeholders To Sign The WEPs.

Learn more about the WEPs

Interested in becoming a signatory?

Join here

Where does gender equality stand today?

At the current pace, it will take 134 years to close the global gender gap unless the private sector acts faster, according to UN Women's, Unfinished Business: Private Sector and Gender Equality report 2025.

Unfinished business: Private sector and gender equality

Employment

Globally, labour force participation by prime aged women (25–54 years) was 64.5% in 2024, compared to 92.2% for men. Companies should aim for gender parity in the workforce and recruit women into roles where they are underrepresented.

Pay

The ILO estimates the gender wage gap at 20%; women earn 80% of what men do. Companies should ensure equal pay for equal work. Unpaid care and domestic work: Excessive and unequal care responsibilities keep 708 million women outside the labour force globally. Companies should adopt gender responsive and family-friendly workplace policies.

Leadership

Globally, women occupy 30% of managerial positions. At this pace, it will take nearly a century to achieve gender parity in management. Companies should strive for gender parity in leadership and enhance their promotion pipelines.

Additional reports and resources

Learn more about becoming a WJI 2030 member
Learn more about
becoming a WJI 2030 member

In support of UN Women and the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) In support of UN Women and the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)