The WJI 2030 Commitment to Gender Equality

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 a 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.

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

What is the importance of Gender Equality in the watch and jewellery industry?

The World Economic Forum, in the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, has found that at the current rate of progress, it will take 132 years to reach full parity. When it comes to gender gaps in the work force, these gaps are said to be driven by factors including long-standing structural barriers, socioeconomic and technological transformation, as well as economic shocks. Women are seen to have increasingly moved to paid work, including leadership positions, however, societal expectations, employer policies and the legal framework and availability of care continue to play a fundamental role in the choice of trajectories for women.
(Source: World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report 2022)

In 2018, in a White Paper developed by BSR, women were said to drive 90% of the worlds jewellery according to most estimates. However, Women’s roles in the jewellery supply chain are said to be conditioned by gender inequalities that serve as barriers for women in entering and advancing within the industry. Women are typically found in informal and precarious activities or engaged in lower value and lower skilled activities, where they are not fully recognized or rewarded and are at greater risk of exploitation. In the midstream and upstream areas of the sector in particular, they also often bear the greatest burden of some of the negative impacts of the industry on land, water, communities, and human health.
(Source: “Women in the Jewelry Supply Chain.” White Paper. BSR, 2018)

What are the 7 principles of the WEPs?

Principle 1:

High Level Corporate Leadership

Learn more about principle 1

Principle 2:

Treat all Women and Men Fairly at Work without Discrimination

Learn more about principle 1

Principle 3:

Employee Health, Well-Being and Safety

Learn more about principle 1

Principle 4:

Education and Training for Career advancement

Learn more about principle 1

Principle 5:

Enterprise Development, supply chain and marketing practices

Learn more about principle 1

Principle 6:

Community initiatives and advocacy

Learn more about principle 1

Principle 7:

Measurement and Reporting

Learn more about principle 1

Additional Reports and Resources

Women in the Jewelry Suppy Chain – Read here
The WEPs Gender Gap Analysis tool – See here
World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report – Read here
Impactful Women: Examining Opportunities and Constraints for Women in Mining Organizations Worldwide – Read here
International Labor Oraganisation: Women In Mining, Towards Gender Equality – Read here
European Commission: The 2022 Report on Gender Equality in the EU – Read here
United Nations Development Programme: Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025 – see here
Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2022 – Read here