"Lift Each Other Up" –
Libby VanderPloeg
Earlier this year, I was very fortunate to attend the United
Nations Women's Empowerment Principles Annual Event in New York
City. This conference brought together 400 leaders from business,
government, not for profit and the UN; I was the only business
delegate from Canada, and will forever be enriched by the
experience.
The business case for the commitment for gender equality has
been conclusively proven; ensuring that women have access to
economic opportunity leads to stronger and more just societies and
more profitable businesses. The seven Women's
Empowerment Principles ("WEPS") set out a framework
for action with respect to advancing this business case. Going
beyond setting out the issues, the WEPs require the CEOs of
businesses to become signatories to the principles, and to commit
to bringing them to life with specific action plans in the
organizations they lead.
