Last month, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and its Women in Business Committee held a conference to promote women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace.
The conference featured Senator Risa Hontiveros, Ms. Frauke Renz of McKinsey & Company, Ms. Ma Rosalyn Mesina of UN Women Philippines, and Ms. Patricia Reposo of Weremote Philippines.
De Guzman San Diego Mejia & Hernandez Law Offices were represented in the conference by its Associates, Atty. Mary Grace Encarnacion and Atty. Engr. Gertrude Arquillo.
UN Women’s Empowerment Principles: Corporate Leadership, Gender Equality, and Rights in the Workplace
The ECCP announced its signing of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, which promotes, among others, the establishment of high-level corporate leadership for gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights in the workplace.
In the conference, the speakers stressed the underrepresentation of women in both technical and leadership positions. It was shared that women continue to earn less than their male counterparts and are under-recognized. Women in male-dominated fields also face several barriers to career advancement.
When addressing these issues, businesses should note that empowering women and promoting gender equality can actually grow companies and boost the economy. Leaders of corporations should ensure their workplaces and communities are aligned in promoting gender-equal policies and practices, such as eliminating gender bias and discrimination.