Global Compact in Mexico endorses the private sector’s commitment to gender equality
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On 5 December, Gustavo Pérez Berlanga, Chair of the Business Committee of Mexico’s Global Compact Network, met with UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka during her official visit to Mexico.
During the meeting, accompanied by representatives of the more than 600 member organizations and companies in Mexico –including Banorte, ICA, Scotiabank, Telefónica and Toks– the Chair of the Mexican Network of the Global Compact signed on to UN Women’s “HeforShe” campaign, a solidarity movement to involve men and boys as agents of change to achieve gender equality.
At the time of the meeting, “HeforShe” had gathered nearly 200,000 signatories worldwide, more than 5,000 of these in Mexico.
UN Women’s Executive Director highlighted the importance of mobilizing millions of men, both online and on the ground, as defenders of women’s rights and advocates for gender equality to serve as examples and help inspiring those men who perpetuate inequality and commit acts of violence against women.
This is the first time that a Global Compact Network has joined the campaign. The Mexican network,the biggest in America, committed to disseminate the initiative among all Mexican companies and transnational companies with a presence in Mexico that are affiliated with the Global Compact.
As he was signing, Mr. Pérez Berlanga said “it is not the act of signing the campaign that’s important, but what actually happens. You have our professional and personal support and commitment to make Mexico a leading figure on the issue.”
The private sector is a key partner in the efforts to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. To create strong economies that can improve the quality of women’s lives, and the lives of families and communities, it is fundamental that women are empowered to fully participate in the economic life of all sectors.
Recent research shows that gender diversity helps companies to improve their results. However, to guarantee that women’s talents, energy and capabilities are reflected – from executive offices to factories and the supply chain – measures and policies to meet this objected must be adopted.
In addition to the commitment to HeforShe, the UN Global Compact and UN Women work together at a global level on the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, which offer companies and the private sector practical guidance about how to empower women in the workplace, markets and in the community. These principles help companies to create codes of global business conduct centred on empowerment, progress and investment in women.