Umniah has recently signed the United Nations Global Women’s Empowerment Principles during its participation in the G7 Summit “Economic Empowerment of Women – Unlock the Potential” held in Berlin in November 2015.
Umniah participated in the conference along a handful of companies that empower women around the world, as it is considered a key partner in the regional German Development Cooperation (GIZ) program “Economic Integration of Women in the MENA Region” (EconoWin).
Umniah is currently executing actions that would attract more women for employment with the company, and thereafter develops their careers into higher managerial and leadership positions. The company is also working on a number of programs that will enable women to find a balance between home and work thus safeguarding their career against disruption.
Commenting on the signing, Sami Jarrar, Umniah's Director of HR and Corporate Affairs commented: "Umniah is always keen on nourishing a diverse working environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunity especially insofar as gender is concerned. It stems from our strong belief that this leads to more productivity and creativity, and provides solutions to many contemporary business challenges. On the bigger picture, it unleashes untapped energy, much needed by our national economy."
“By signing the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, Umniah demonstrates its commitment to adopting international standards and building sustainability in the workplace,” Jarrar added.
The conference, which was held in the framework of Germany’s G7 Presidency, brought about representatives of international, governmental, and civil society organizations in addition to representatives from the private sectors. During the conference, participants discussed strategies and partnership opportunities to improve women’s economic participation.
The panelists made a business case for the economic empowerment of women and argued that this is not only a necessary step for equality but also for corporate success. Individual discussion rounds put a spotlight on the economic potential of female entrepreneurs, female workers, vocational training of women and girls as well as their financial inclusion.
It’s worth mentioning that The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) offer practical guidance to business and the private sector on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. The WEPs was developed through a partnership between UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact, the Principles are designed to support companies in reviewing existing policies and practices—or establishing new ones—to realize women’s empowerment.
Source: Umniah