Behind the Brands Independent Evaluation on Implementation of UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)
This report is an independent assessment of the extent to which the world’s largest food and beverage companies have implemented the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). The WEPs, designed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, showcase best practice on women’s rights and gender equality in private sector operations. The Principles are the “primary vehicle for corporate delivery” on gender equality within the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The report indicates that most companies have made progress in improving women’s empowerment in their companies and across their supply chains. However, evidence suggests that progress remains uneven between headquarters and country offices, especially for parental leave and caregiving policies. There are significant information gaps across policy and practice areas. It is clear from the companies’ survey responses that they are producing evidence-based information. However, these documents are not all publicly available, which makes it difficult to assess companies’ level of ambition on implementation. The evaluation makes specific recommendations to ensure that the companies are using and implementing the seven Principles throughout their business mechanisms.